Raleigh, N.C. - Governor Pat McCrory joined 28 states in asking the U.S. Supreme Court to halt the Environmental Protection Agency’s federal power plan while a legal challenge makes its way through the lower courts.
“This clear federal overreach will mean higher electricity bills for North Carolina families and small businesses,” Governor McCrory said. “North Carolina is a leader in protecting its air quality and keeping energy prices affordable for hard working families and employers.”

Power and gas bills in North Carolina are estimated to increase by 22 percent in 2020 under the Obama administration’s power plan.

North Carolina has made significant improvements to its air quality in recent years without federal intrusion, while keeping energy prices low.  The state leads the Southeast in renewable energy and has one of the most efficient coal-fired power plant fleets in the nation. 

“The federal government admits that the federal power plan would have very little if any impact on climate change,” said Secretary Donald R. van der Vaart of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality. “North Carolina will continue to improve its power sector while safeguarding the environment and protecting ratepayers from the federal overreach imposed by the Obama plan.”

The McCrory administration will continue to oppose federal government’s constant attempts to take control away from states as evidenced by the federal power plan and the Waters of the United States rule.

North Carolina is among two dozen states that asked an appeals court to put the federal power plan on hold while their legal challenge against it moves forward. The appeals court declined, leading to the states’ decision to appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.