Environment North Carolina redoubles campaign for 100% renewable energy statewide

Group calls for North Carolina to support 100% renewable energy

Environment North Carolina

Raleigh, NC– The statewide organization Environment North Carolina launched a campaign for 100% renewable energy in North Carolina on Wednesday, February 3, 2022. As Gov. Cooper and state officials set priorities and plans for the new year, Environment North Carolina sets sights on taking steps to transition the state to 100% renewable energy.

“For decades, North Carolina has relied on dirty energy sources that pollute the air, harm our communities, and damage our unique natural places like Linville Gorge or the Outer Banks,” said Krista Early, Advocate for Environment North Carolina. “North Carolinaians deserve better than that and now, thanks to incredible technological advances, we can rectify that by repowering with pollution-free renewable energy. We’re already well on our way and now is the time for North Carolina to make that vision a reality by committing to 100% renewable energy.”

Environment North Carolina’s campaign looks to tap into a national trend of renewable energy progress and growing ambition. In 2020, wind and solar energy produced 11% of America’s electricity, compared to a mere 0.5% in 2001. In North Carolina, solar power has grown more than 265 fold since 2011 and has seen a 564 GWH increase in wind power production and continues to demonstrate growth potential.To date, nine states have passed commitments to 100% clean or renewable electricity by 2050 or sooner. 

Cities, universities and businesses are also increasingly sourcing their energy needs from renewable, efficient and reliable energy sources. In fact, more than 180 U.S. cities, including five in North Carolina, have made the commitment to transition to 100% renewable power. Environment North Carolina joins 11 other state groups in the Environment America national network that are working to build on that momentum and win additional statewide commitments.

“The stage has been set for America’s transition to a renewable energy system. States across the country are taking their places in this monumental shift that has already begun,” said Early. “The question is what role does our state want to play? I hope to see North Carolinians taking center-stage in the movement towards a clean energy future, transforming the way we produce and consume energy in North Carolina and inspiring other states to follow our lead.”