N.C. GOP hope to roll back the state’s green energy policy

[struggle4progress]

Posted: Monday, January 28, 2013 12:00 am | Updated: 11:49 pm, Sun Jan 27, 2013.

Mcclatcy-Tribune

Conservatives have grumbled about the state energy law that mandates renewables and efficiency programs ever since it was passed in 2007 with Democrats in control.

This year, with a solid majority in the legislature and an ally in the governor’s mansion, Republicans hope to roll back the state’s green energy policy, the News & Observer of Raleigh reports.

It’s part of a broader effort to reshape the state’s energy landscape to reflect conservative priorities. It will likely dovetail with Republican Gov. Pat McCrory’s campaign endorsement of offshore drilling and inland fracking for shale gas as a means of promoting energy independence.

McCrory is eager to work with neighboring states on offshore drilling, which is overseen by the federal government. If drilling rigs were to be built in the Atlantic Ocean, one item yet to be resolved would be North Carolina’s potential revenue sharing with the feds for any offshore waters leased for energy development ...

http://www.journalnow.com/news/state_region/article_e75f89f6-68f0-11e2-b7b1-0019bb30f31a.html

[ProfessionalLeftist]

1. Just received in email from 'Democracy NC' about this, in part...

Ready for your light bill to go up?

Here’s one terrible way that Big Money dominates public policy – and your pocketbook.

Duke Energy and Progress Energy have long used political donations, lobbying and “good ole boy” networks to help their monopolies. Democracy North Carolina has tracked their political influence for years. Now, the combined companies are trying to increase the price of electricity for consumers like you – and also reverse progress made in green energy and conservation.

You can help stop this rip-off by speaking up now.

Because Duke-Progress is a monopoly, it is regulated by the NC Utilities Commission, which is supposed to protect the public’s interests. Duke Energy’s rate hikes and expansion plans must be approved by this Commission.

Duke recently filed its long-range business plan with the Utilities Commission, and the Progress division of Duke has asked for a rate increase. It puts the heaviest burden of higher prices on residential customers like you.

Duke’s business plan calls for you to pay for building more nuclear power plants and more polluting fossil fuel plants. But it includes very little investment in energy conservation or clean energy like wind or solar power. Bottom line: Duke plans to take your green without going green!

To get its way, Duke will spend millions on political donations, lobbyists and public relations. Duke is selling more than electricity. It’s selling a scheme to make bigger profits even when sensible policy says we must conserve energy and stop building climate-changing power plants.

Democracy NC is teaming up with NC WARN, Greenpeace, and others to oppose Duke Energy’s long-range plan and rate hikes. We’re helping organize people to attend upcoming public hearings in cities across the state.

Don’t let Duke/Progress raise your rates without a fight! Tell the NC Utilities Commission to protect your interests – show up and speak up! YOU have the power to set fair rates and responsible energy policy in North Carolina.

Click here to see if there’s a public hearing near you, and sign this petition to the Utilities Commission opposing Duke Energy’s plans!

Onward,

Your Democracy NC Team

[bluemarkers]

2. since they propose to abolish corporate tax

why would they allow electric bills to rise??? haha, just kidding

yep, abolish corporate tax and possibly personal income tax but raise the tax on food.

I hope we are hungry, 'cause it will take a lot of apples buying to replace lost revenue.