NC Governor Vetoes Rollback of Greenhouse Gas Target

On July 2, 2025, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed a bill that aimed to remove a crucial interim requirement from the state’s 2021 clean energy law. This mandate called for a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from power plants (compared to 2005 levels) by 2030. Stein warned that eliminating this target would weaken the state’s transition to cleaner energy and could potentially increase costs for consumers.

The legislation, supported by Republican lawmakers and Duke Energy, sought to repeal the “all reasonable steps” clause associated with the 2030 goal, while keeping the broader objective of carbon neutrality by 2050. Proponents claimed that this rollback could save up to $13 billion over 25 years and help finance new natural gas and nuclear projects. However, environmental advocates and Stein argued that such a measure would hinder progress and shift long-term financial risks onto the public.

According to the Associated Press, GOP leaders may try to override the veto, citing bipartisan support for the bill. Nevertheless, Stein argued that the legislation “fails the test of protecting consumers” and undermines North Carolina’s clean energy future.

Sources:

[1] Associated Press: NC Governor Vetoes Emissions Bill