North Carolina 2023-2024 Regular Session

North Carolina House Bill H720

Introduced
4/18/23  

Caption

State Clean Energy Goal for 2050

Impact

If enacted, H720 will amend the state's energy policies, mandating the generation of electricity from renewable sources solely by 2050. This goal will necessitate comprehensive planning and collaboration among state agencies, local governments, and private sectors to develop a strategic roadmap that will include technological investments, infrastructure improvements, and regulatory adjustments. The bill is poised to enhance North Carolina's position as a leader in the clean energy economy while addressing environmental sustainability and public health concerns related to fossil fuel usage.

Summary

House Bill 720 aims to establish a state goal of achieving 100% clean energy in North Carolina by the year 2050. This bill emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change, which has been significantly impacted by human activities such as fossil fuel emissions. The proponents of the bill highlight North Carolina's potential to create numerous green jobs and improve economic conditions through advancements in renewable energy technologies and industries. This legislation underscores the commitment to transitioning towards a sustainable energy framework that aligns with both state and national objectives for combating climate change.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding H720 is generally positive among environmental groups and proponents of clean energy as they view the legislation as a vital step toward mitigating the impacts of climate change, protecting vulnerable communities, and generating economic opportunities through green jobs. However, there may be contention from stakeholders involved in traditional energy sectors who might see this shift as a threat to their operations, leading to debates about the pace and feasibility of this transition, especially regarding job displacement and economic adjustments in the fossil fuel industry.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around H720 include the feasibility of reaching a 100% clean energy goal by 2050, potential economic ramifications for communities reliant on fossil fuel industries, and the mechanisms through which this transition will be managed both politically and economically. Critics may argue that the timeline is overly ambitious and that sufficient infrastructure and technology must be developed to support such a broad-based change without jeopardizing energy accessibility or economic stability for all citizens.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

NC HR807

State goal of 100 percent clean energy by 2050; support

NC HCR37

Expressing the sense of Congress that there is a climate emergency which demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.

NC SCR9

A concurrent resolution expressing the sense of Congress that there is a climate emergency which demands a massive-scale mobilization to halt, reverse, and address its consequences and causes.

NC SR678

Clean Energy; creation of thriving-wage green jobs, and an equitable clean energy transition; support state goal

NC HR67

Georgia's Clean Energy Transition, Workforce Development, and Green Job Creation by 2050; support

NC AB1757

California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: climate goal: natural and working lands.

NC SCR108

Affirming Hawaii's Ongoing Commitment To The Goals Of The Paris Climate Agreement And United Nations Sustainable Development Goals And Endorsement Of The Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty.

NC SB27

Carbon sequestration: state goals: natural and working lands: registry of projects.

NC SR95

Affirming Hawaii's Ongoing Commitment To The Goals Of The Paris Climate Agreement, The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, And Endorsement Of The Fossil Fuel Non-proliferation Treaty.

NC SCR13

A concurrent resolution recognizing that the climate crisis disproportionately affects the health, economic opportunity, and fundamental rights of children, expressing the sense of Congress that leadership by the United States is still urgently needed to address the climate crisis, and acknowledging the need of the United States to develop a national, comprehensive, science-based, and just climate recovery plan to phase out fossil fuel emissions, protect and enhance natural carbon sequestration, and put the United States on a path toward stabilizing the climate system.

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