At the Emerging Issues Forum held at NC State, Governor Josh Stein urged Congress to consider the financial implications for North Carolinian consumers if protections for clean energy projects are not maintained, as reported by North Carolina Office of the Governor's official news release. Highlighting the state's achievements, Governor Stein emphasized, "North Carolina is a leader in the clean energy economy, and we are home to more than 20,000 clean energy jobs and $24 billion in clean energy investments."
Stein's commitment to supporting clean energy was evident as he announced last month's opening of Boviet Solar's new manufacturing facility in Greenville, creating nearly 400 jobs with more to come and part of his proposed $239 million recovery budget aimed to enhance infrastructure in the western part of the state, strategies that position North Carolina as a significant player in the national push for clean energy solutions. However, Congress’ potential backtrack on the Inflation Reduction Act, which provides clean energy and manufacturing tax credits, could cost North Carolinians not just tens of thousands of jobs by 2030 but could also hike electricity bills by $200 annually for families across the state.
With potential job losses and increased costs at stake, Governor Stein's speech was a call to North Carolina's congressional delegation to preserve the economic and environmental benefits emanating from the Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits. "Our state is well-positioned to continue that success, and I urge Congress to protect the clean energy investments that have contributed to our state’s prosperity," Stein told the North Carolina State Emerging Issues Forum audience.
This forum and Stein's remarks come at a crucial juncture for North Carolina, which stands at a crossroads between continuing its trajectory as a clean energy leader and the possibility of regressing due to policy changes, Governor Stein's advocacy is a clear signal of the concern for the state's economic and environmental future and his call to action reflects the shared interests of North Carolinians seeking stability in their energy costs and job market.
