NC Business Leaders Call for State Policies to Support Clean Energy Economy 

RALEIGH, N.C. — Dozens of state businesses leaders traveled to the legislature last week to advocate for sensible policies that will help continue the growth of North Carolina’s clean energy economy. 

The North Carolina energy business delegation met with lawmakers in both chambers and from both parties to share their perspective on critical energy bills being considered this legislative session, expressing opposition to SB 261 and HB 729, and support for HB 814. The advocacy day was organized by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA), the Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association (CCEBA), and E2. 

“Solar, storage, and other renewables are the lowest-cost energy resources and a critical piece of reducing costs to ratepayers,” said Chris Carmody, Executive Director of CCEBA. “Inexpensive, clean energy is a competitive advantage for North Carolina.” 

North Carolina has the ninth-largest clean energy workforce in the country, according to E2’s annual Clean Jobs North Carolina report. Jobs in the state’s clean energy sector grew by 4.2 percent in 2023, nearly double the growth rate of the state’s overall employment. Clean energy sector jobs. 

“North Carolina’s national leadership in clean energy jobs is a testament to the state’s commitment to driving innovation in a business-friendly policy climate. The clean energy sector is a key economic engine of growth for North Carolina, and it’s essential that our state leaders maintain the right policy environment to continue the clean energy success story,” said Zach Amittay, E2’s Southeast Advocate. 

As state lawmakers continue working through the legislative long session, the North Carolina energy business delegation took their case for strong clean energy policies door-to-door Wednesday. Business leaders met with individual lawmakers to share their position on proposed bills being considered during this session. 

“It is so important for lawmakers to protect the progress that has been made within the clean energy sector and to strongly oppose any legislation that would weaken North Carolina’s position as an innovative leader in this emerging industry,” said Matt Abele, Executive Director of NCSEA. “Business leaders sent a clear message that they want to build on the past successes of this industry in order to secure a stronger future.”  

NRDC is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd).