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North Carolina Must Build on Environmental Successes in 2025

Governor-elect Stein’s Leadership Vital for Continuing Clean Energy and Climate Progress

As North Carolina gears up for 2025, the state must build on its recent environmental successes, particularly in clean energy and climate resilience. With climate change causing more frequent extreme weather events, maintaining momentum in environmental policy is not just a matter of preserving the state’s natural beauty but securing its future economic prosperity.

Over the past few years, North Carolina has become a national leader in the clean energy sector, thanks to Governor Roy Cooper’s administration. The state has seen an impressive surge in solar energy, with capacity almost tripling since 2017, and has attracted more than $24 billion in clean energy investments. These efforts have directly translated into job creation, with over 20,000 new clean energy jobs in the state.

However, as 2025 approaches, North Carolina will face a new challenge: ensuring that the progress made so far does not stall. The state cannot afford to take a back seat in the fight against climate change. It will be crucial for Governor-elect Josh Stein to continue pushing forward with bold environmental policies, building on the work of his predecessor.

A Strong Environmental Legacy to Build On

Governor-elect Josh Stein’s track record as North Carolina’s attorney general gives hope for continued environmental leadership. Stein has already proven his commitment to holding polluters accountable, most notably when he forced Duke Energy to clean up toxic coal ash spills, saving North Carolina residents over $1 billion in the process.

North Carolina clean energy policy 2025

Stein’s leadership on environmental issues, particularly in fighting pollution from major corporations like Chemours and DuPont, demonstrates his dedication to protecting North Carolina’s natural resources. These efforts align with the state’s broader goal of maintaining a healthy environment while fostering a thriving economy.

Looking ahead, it will be essential for Stein to build on these successes, ensuring that the state continues to reduce pollution and transition toward clean energy. His leadership will play a pivotal role in ensuring that North Carolina’s economic future remains green and sustainable, particularly in light of the federal government’s uncertain trajectory on climate policy.

Key Areas for Progress in 2025

  1. Clean Energy Expansion: Continuing the push for clean energy investments will be critical for job creation and economic growth. North Carolina must build on its solar success and explore new avenues for energy innovation, including offshore wind and battery storage.
  2. Resilient Infrastructure: Climate change is already exacerbating extreme weather events, and North Carolina must ensure that its infrastructure is resilient enough to withstand future storms. Governor-elect Stein has pledged to improve infrastructure and housing to make the state more climate-resilient.
  3. Pollution Accountability: Holding corporations accountable for pollution will remain a central focus for Stein. The state must continue to challenge companies that harm its water and air, ensuring that the costs of environmental degradation are not passed on to ordinary citizens.

The Need for Continued Action on Climate Change

While North Carolina has made significant strides in addressing climate change, the state cannot afford to rest on its laurels. Extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene have highlighted the urgent need for improved disaster preparedness and resilience. Governor Roy Cooper’s response to the hurricane was swift, working with FEMA to ensure a comprehensive recovery effort. Now, it will be up to Governor-elect Stein to continue this work and push for further climate adaptation measures.

Stein has already made it clear that he views climate change as an urgent issue, one that requires immediate action. By focusing on policies that reduce carbon emissions while promoting clean energy and sustainable economic development, Stein has the opportunity to continue North Carolina’s leadership on climate issues.

How North Carolina’s Clean Energy Economy Can Lead the Way

The transition to clean energy offers more than just environmental benefits. It can also drive job creation and economic growth across the state. By continuing to invest in green technologies and energy-efficient infrastructure, North Carolina can position itself as a national leader in the clean energy economy.

This transition is already proving successful, with the state’s clean energy industry attracting billions in investment and creating thousands of jobs. As Governor-elect Stein takes office, he must ensure that these gains are not lost and that North Carolina remains at the forefront of clean energy innovation.

In addition to expanding clean energy, the state must also prioritize climate resilience, particularly in the face of rising sea levels and increasingly severe storms. This will involve not only strengthening infrastructure but also implementing policies that help communities adapt to the changing climate.

The Road Ahead for North Carolina

As North Carolina looks to 2025 and beyond, the state must continue its commitment to environmental leadership. While federal action on climate change may be uncertain, North Carolina cannot afford to wait. The state’s clean energy sector has already proven that climate action can drive economic growth, and it is essential to keep this momentum going.

Governor-elect Josh Stein has a unique opportunity to build on the environmental legacy left by Governor Roy Cooper. By prioritizing clean energy, climate resilience, and pollution accountability, Stein can ensure that North Carolina remains a leader in the fight against climate change.

As North Carolina looks ahead, the importance of bold environmental leadership in Raleigh has never been clearer. The state’s future depends on its ability to continue advancing policies that protect the environment, create jobs, and strengthen the economy. The time to act is now.

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