Alternative-energy bill gets some illumination

It was sailing along, passing from the N.C. Senate to the House, when somebody noticed that S.B. 3 — a legislative attempt to reduce use of fossil-based power and spur increases in energy efficiency and alternative sources — had some expensive fine print.

As outlined in The Charlotte Observer, there are built-in flaws with this bill — particularly, the lack of a cap on the amount utilities could charge ratepayers for construction — that could actually encourage power companies to build more coal-fired plants. (The bill contains a cap, however, on renewable-energy costs, potentially limiting that option.) According to the local office of Clean Water for North Carolina, the bill also fails to establish any environmental-performance standards in methane recovery from hog and poutry operations. Members of the House Energy and Energy Efficiency Committee are now taking a critical look at the bill (H.B. 77), evidently with changes in mind.

— Nelda Holder, news and opinion editor

SHARE

Thanks for reading through to the end…

We share your inclination to get the whole story. For the past 25 years, Xpress has been committed to in-depth, balanced reporting about the greater Asheville area. We want everyone to have access to our stories. That’s a big part of why we've never charged for the paper or put up a paywall.

We’re pretty sure that you know journalism faces big challenges these days. Advertising no longer pays the whole cost. Media outlets around the country are asking their readers to chip in. Xpress needs help, too. We hope you’ll consider signing up to be a member of Xpress. For as little as $5 a month — the cost of a craft beer or kombucha — you can help keep local journalism strong. It only takes a moment.

Before you comment

The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.

Leave a Reply

To leave a reply you may Login with your Mountain Xpress account, connect socially or enter your name and e-mail. Your e-mail address will not be published. All fields are required.