Charlotte sustainability group returns sponsorship after Duke Energy asks for looser pollution rules (WFAE)
In January, Duke Energy joined several other utilities in sending a letter asking then-EPA Administrator-nominee Lee Zeldin to roll back carbon and coal ash pollution regulations. In particular, the letter targeted regulations that would require Duke Energy to retire coal plants ahead of schedule as well as implement carbon storage technologies on new natural gas facilities or limit their runtimes.
In response, Sustain Charlotte said Wednesday that it’s returning a $10,000 sponsorship from Duke Energy. Sustain Charlotte Executive Director Shannon Binns said the company has the resources and influence to lead the country’s shift away from fossil fuels.
“We’re urging them to embrace that role, and actively support policies that accelerate the transition to healthier, sustainable communities, not just in Charlotte and in North Carolina, but across our country,” Binns said.