NC Governor Vetoes Delay of Emissions Mandate

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed Senate Bill 266, which would have delayed the state's mandate for electric utilities to reduce carbon emissions by 70% from 2005 levels from 2030 to 2050. Stein argued the bill would weaken clean energy commitments, raise costs for families by shifting financial burden from industrial users to residential customers, and increase Duke Energy's profits. Environmental groups supported the veto, warning of harm to the clean energy economy and climate goals. Proponents of the bill, including Republican lawmakers, contended it would allow more flexible, cost-effective energy transitions and could avoid sharp rate increases. Analyses on the bill's impact are mixed: one cited by Stein projects up to $23 billion in costs for ratepayers by 2050, while others suggest potential savings of $12–$15 billion. The legislature, controlled by the GOP, is expected to attempt to override Stein’s veto.