We Are Returning $10,000 to Duke Energy—Now We Need Your Help
Will Thomas/Flickr
At Sustain Charlotte, we believe in standing by our values—even when it comes at a cost.
That’s why we are returning $10,000 to Duke Energy in response to their January 15 letter to incoming EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin urging him to eliminate critical regulations that aim to protect communities from the harmful effects of coal ash, greenhouse gas emissions, and other pollutants.
Duke Energy was the largest sponsor of our 2025 Sustain Charlotte Awards, but we cannot accept support from an organization actively working to slow the transition to clean energy and weaken EPA regulations designed to protect our air, water, climate, and health.
We Need Your Support to Fill the Gap
Returning these funds was the right thing to do, but it leaves a $10,000 hole in our budget—funding that helps power our advocacy for smart growth, clean transportation, and a sustainable Charlotte.
To remain independent and mission-driven, we are asking you—our community of sustainability advocates—to step up and help replace this funding.
Can you donate today to help us continue this work? Every contribution, no matter the size, brings us closer to our goal.
Why This Matters
Duke Energy has the resources and influence to be a true leader in the shift to clean, renewable energy. We urge them to embrace that role and actively support policies that accelerate the transition to healthier, sustainable communities across our country.
We remain open to working with Duke Energy if they commit to real climate action. But until then, we need to ensure that our voice remains independent, strong, and uncompromised—and that’s only possible with your support.
Every Dollar Counts
If you believe in a faster transition to clean energy and a more sustainable Charlotte, we need you now more than ever.
Thank you for standing with us.
Thanks for reading!
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