North Carolina Takes “Bold New Steps” Toward Clean Energy Leadership

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper signed an executive order today establishing statewide greenhouse gas reduction goals and setting new targets for improved energy efficiency in state government facilities. The executive order also creates a goal to put more zero emission vehicles on North Carolina roadways.

“The executive order that Governor Roy Cooper signed today outlines bold new steps toward a clean energy future for North Carolina. Today’s executive order will protect North Carolina families from unhealthy air pollution and the increasing threat of climate change, at the same time that it will help our economy grow and create more good clean energy jobs.

“North Carolinians have suffered through more than our share of hurricanes and other extreme weather events that put our families in danger, hurt our farms and businesses, and damage our beautiful coastlines. This plan puts in motion initiatives that will help protect our state by cutting the pollution that leads to more extreme weather by 40 percent by 2025, including substantial reduction of energy use in all our government buildings and an ambitious commitment to put 80,000 zero-emission cars and trucks on our roads.

“Governor Cooper’s executive order further advances North Carolina’s reputation as a clean energy leader. We look forward to working with him – and with our local leaders, businesses and farmers – to accelerate progress toward these goals.”

            - Hawley Truax, EDF Southeast Regional Director