Letter to the Editor: A Clean Power Plan for North Carolina

Our state is in a unique position to be a leader in this.  We ranked among the top five states last year in solar installations.  In 2007, we were the first state in the southeast to adopt a Renewable Energy Portfolio, ensuring a percentage of energy comes from renewables.

North Carolina is also in a unique position to be most affected by climate change.  The updated Sea Level Rise report, recently prepared by the Coastal Resources Commission, reaffirms the fact that our coastline is already being affected.  Proof abounds: chronic over-wash of Hwy 12, first-row beach cottages washed out to sea, continually having to revise laws to allow for more and more sandbags, saltwater intrusion, more and more money needed for beach renourishment and dredging.

Yet, Governor McCrory has expressed no interest in North Carolina adopting a Clean Power Plan.  This is counterproductive.  It’s a known fact that North Carolina has the best source of wind energy along the eastern seaboard.  Refusing to move towards cleaner energy, especially when we’re ahead of the game, doesn’t make sense.

There are two bills in the House right now, HB 245 and 571, which move NC in the right direction.  One would loosen the monopoly Duke Energy has, and the other directs the NC DENR to develop a plan in compliance with the US EPA’s plan.  This puts the ball in McCrory’s court, and calls into question why he is so reluctant to act.  Let your representatives know that North Carolina should be a leader in developing a clean power plan for the health and well-being of its citizens.

J. Smith

J. Smith is not an Ocracoke resident, but is a regular reader of the Ocracoke Current.