As our state leads the nation in manufacturing and attracts historic levels of job creation and private-sector investment, smart, forward-looking energy policy is more important than ever. We are disappointed Gov. Josh Stein vetoed Senate Bill 266 today, which would provide businesses and consumers with more affordable, predictable energy costs. It also supports reliability by promoting a diverse mix of energy resources, including 24/7 generation options like nuclear, to meet the growing demands of modern, always-on industries.

Equally important, the bill upholds our state’s commitment to net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as set forth in House Bill 951. While the governor may prefer a more accelerated timeline, preserving this goal in a bipartisan framework is a meaningful step forward for both sustainability and economic certainty.

Reliable, affordable energy is essential to North Carolina’s continued economic growth and long-term competitiveness. We encourage the General Assembly to act swiftly to override the veto, and we will continue advocating for policies that support a reliable, affordable energy future for North Carolina.

Jake Cashion
Vice President, Government Affairs
NC Chamber