AEE Applauds Gov. Cooper’s Support for Solar, Registers Disappointment with Legislature for Bill that Pauses $700 Million in Wind Development in North Carolina

Washington, D.C., July 28, 2017 — Today, national business group Advanced Energy Economy (AEE) expressed a mix of gratitude and disappointment at the passage of House Bill 589, which was signed into law yesterday evening by North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper. Echoing concerns expressed by AEE’s state partner, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association, AEE’s Vice President of State Policy, J.R. Tolbert issued the following statement:

“By signing House Bill 589, Gov. Cooper sends a strong signal that North Carolina plans to continue to lead the nation on solar energy while also opening the door to energy storage deployment in the state. This new law, which provides for competitive solicitation, access to solar leasing, and a new Green Source Rider, will drive an estimated $14.6 billion in direct investment in solar energy in North Carolina, and address growing demand by large businesses seeking to achieve their sustainability targets.

“This legislation, with its many positive provisions, was largely the product of a comprehensive stakeholder process. Unfortunately, in the final hours, the state Senate inserted an arbitrary 18-month moratorium on permitting for wind projects into the bill. This ill-considered action will bring to a halt $700 million in wind projects already in the works for the state, and send a chill through a wind industry that is otherwise poised to match the economic contribution of solar in North Carolina. 

“Although AEE is encouraged by Gov. Cooper’s Executive Order 11 to promote the permitting and development of wind energy in North Carolina, much more will need to be done to reverse the damaging impact of this pointless moratorium on wind development.”

About Advanced Energy Economy
Advanced Energy Economy is a national association of businesses that are making the energy we use secure, clean, and affordable. Advanced energy encompasses a broad range of products and services that constitute the best available technologies for meeting energy needs today and tomorrow. AEE’s mission is to transform public policy to enable rapid growth of advanced energy businesses. AEE and its State and Regional Partner organizations are active in 27 states across the country, representing more than 1,000 companies and organizations in the advanced energy industry. Visit AEE online at www.aee.net.