North Carolina Gov. Stein Vetoes Energy, Auditor, Charter School Bills

North Carolina Governor Josh Stein vetoed several bills including the REINS Act, energy legislation known as Senate Bill 266, and a charter school bill that would have expanded the Charter School Review Board's powers. Stein expressed concerns that the REINS Act would impose unnecessary restrictions on regulations that protect public health, while critics argued the veto protected bureaucratic overreach. The energy bill aimed to ease carbon reduction targets and reduce costs for utilities by removing the 2030 emissions goal, but Stein highlighted independent analyses predicting up to $23 billion in higher costs for ratepayers due to reliance on volatile natural gas markets. He emphasized the need to maintain the state's commitment to carbon reduction and diversify energy sources to protect families from rising utility bills. The charter school bill veto was justified by Stein as preserving accountability and the authority of the State Board of Education and Superintendent of Public Instruction, though supporters argued it would strengthen charter school autonomy. Republican lawmakers and charter school advocates have pledged to seek veto overrides on these measures.