Press Release: Sustain Charlotte Urges Legislature to Uphold Governor Stein’s Veto of Senate Bill 266

Charlotte, N.C. — Sustain Charlotte celebrates Governor Josh Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 266—legislation that would dismantle North Carolina’s 2030 climate pollution-reduction law for Duke Energy and saddle families with higher energy costs and greater health risks.

Key findings from recent studies by NC State and Public Staff have found:

• Repealing the 2030 target would trigger 7,200 MW less solar and battery storage by 2035, just as demand surges. 
• Duke would burn nearly 40% more natural gas between 2030–2050, increasing reliance on volatile fuel markets. 
• Under high-price scenarios, households could collectively pay up to $23 billion more in fuel costs through 2050. 
• Residential rates would shift by about $87 million/year—while industrial users pay less. 
• The bill would allow Duke Energy to “charge customers upfront for plants not yet built,” jeopardizing consumer protections in the event of project overruns or cancellation.. 

Political context

The Republican-controlled Senate holds the three-fifths majority required to override the veto, while the House falls one vote short of that threshold.

“Senate Bill 266 benefits Duke Energy at the expense of everyday North Carolinians—raising energy bills, endangering public health, and stalling clean energy progress,” said Shannon Binns, Founder and Executive Director of Sustain Charlotte. “The legislature has a clear choice: side with corporate interests or stand with families. We urge the House to hold firm and uphold Governor Stein’s veto.”

Call to action for legislators and residents

Residents are encouraged to email their state representatives today, urging them to stand with families—not Duke Energy—by following this link.