Sunita Somvanshi
A coalition of over 150 organizations has called on North Carolina Governor Josh Stein to address Duke Energy’s continued reliance on fossil fuels. The pressure comes as Carrboro files a landmark climate lawsuit against the energy giant, accusing the company of decades of climate deception.
Environmental groups, social justice advocates, faith communities, and youth organizations have joined forces to challenge Duke Energy’s business practices. They specifically criticize the company for obstructing renewable energy solutions like rooftop and community solar while expanding its fossil fuel operations.
“The nation and the world desperately need bold leaders to step up as climate champions,” said Jim Warren, executive director of NC WARN. “Gov. Stein must break through the continuing Duke Energy deception and help the public understand that North Carolina cannot allow the continued expansion of fracked gas and the suppression of cheaper, faster, fairer solar power at the local level.”
Plans for More Gas Plants Amid Climate Concerns
Duke Energy plans to build 9 gigawatts of new fracked gas plants in the Carolinas by 2033. Critics argue this expansion will increase utility bills for families, worsen air and water quality, and contribute to global warming and extreme weather events like heat waves and hurricanes in the Southeast.
Despite being the third-largest corporate polluter in the country, Duke Energy generated only 1.4% of its power from solar in 2023. Environmental advocates point to the company’s history of obstructing local solar initiatives despite their community benefits and resilience advantages.
“Gov. Stein must stand up to fossil fuel bullies like Duke Energy, whose anti-climate shenanigans are causing widespread harm to people and our planet,” said Gaby Sarri-Tobar, senior energy justice campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. “North Carolinians, like millions of people across the country, are facing life-altering fossil fuel-driven extreme weather and skyrocketing utility bills.”
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Carrboro’s Groundbreaking Lawsuit
The town of Carrboro’s lawsuit marks the first-ever legal action against an electric utility for harms caused by climate deception. According to the complaint, Duke Energy executives have known about the dangers of fossil fuels for more than 50 years but have facilitated campaigns to mislead the public about climate harms while increasing reliance on coal and gas.
The lawsuit claims Duke Energy’s actions have worsened the climate crisis and cost the town millions of dollars. It highlights how communities across North Carolina are facing financial and environmental harm as fossil fuels drive up utility bills and pollution.
Governor Stein has a history of confronting Duke Energy during his eight years as attorney general. Advocates are now urging him to use his authority as governor to alter the company’s business practices, particularly regarding fossil fuel expansion and solar power suppression.
“Gov. Stein, as our former attorney general, you are keenly aware of all the work we’ve done to protect our communities and minimize climate change,” said Bobby Jones, president of the Down East Coal Ash Environmental and Social Justice Coalition. “Yet our communities are still reeling from past hurricanes and heat waves. And many are still waiting on Rebuild NC to restore their homes.”
Despite criticism, Duke Energy continues to promote its energy transition strategy, focusing on grid updates and emerging technologies. The company was recently recognized as one of the “World’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune, though critics argue this recognition overlooks the company’s environmental impact.
