Demonstrators to rally outside McCrory / Moffitt fundraiser

Press release from Progress NC Action:

Demonstrators to rally outside McCrory / Moffitt fundraiser as Duke Energy has just won yet another windfall at ratepayers expense
“Gov. Duke” comes to Asheville to raise money for Rep. Tim Moffitt’s sputtering re-election campaign, as Duke Energy can celebrate another ruling in Raleigh that shovels more money at big utilities.

ARDEN – Tonight it’s a fundraiser that adds insult to injury to average voters and electricity ratepayers.

It’s as if the McCrory / Moffitt coal ash clean-up plan which allows Duke Energy to charge ratepayers for clean-up costs was not bad enough. Now Gov. McCrory will raise money for Rep. Tim Moffitt just as a Utilities Commission with new McCrory appointees has decided to let utilities like Duke Energy pocket new corporate tax-cuts without having to pass the savings on to electricity ratepayers.

Demonstrators will rally near the Biltmore Hilton, where Gov. McCrory will join a fundraising dinner for Rep. Moffitt. Moffitt voted for the coal ash plan which could allow Duke Energy to charge ratepayers for clean-up costs. Moffitt also voted for the corporate tax-cuts which will enable utilities like Duke Energy to enjoy even more profits at ratepayer expense. Gov. McCrory, who spent 28-years working for Duke Energy, signed both the coal ash bill and corporate tax-cuts into law. McCrory has also appointed three of the seven Utilities Commissioners, who on Thursday ruled that Duke will not have to pass new tax savings on to rate-payers. Thursday’s Utilities Commission ruling was 4-3,, with all of McCrory’s appointees voting in favor of giving utilities more profits from the Moffitt-approved tax-cuts.

“This McCrory/Moffitt fundraiser adds insult to injury for the average rate-payer and voter,” said Gerrick Brenner, Executive Director for ProgressNC Action. “Last week, Tim Moffitt dodged debates sponsored by Buncombe County education advocates and the League of Women Voters. This week, Moffitt is rubbing elbows with big donors and special interests as average rate-payers get the shaft. It’s no wonder that Gov. McCrory and Rep. Moffitt are so unpopular in Buncombe County.”

When: Wednesday, Oct 15 at 5:30PM
Where: The corner of Long Shoals Rd. and Schenk Pkwy in Skyland
What: Demonstration against McCrory and Moffitt siding with big utilities and special interests on coal ash and corporate tax-breaks.
Who: Progress NC and environmental advocates