DEBORAH MAXWELL: Kicking gas - North Carolina's clean energy boom

EDITOR'S NOTE: Deborah Dicks Maxwell is the President of the N.C. State Conference of the NAACP; the first female president in its history. She also serves on the Board for the N.C. League of Conservation Voters Foundation.

In the vast and varied landscape of North Carolina, a revolution is unfolding, one that positions the state at the forefront of America’s clean energy movement.

Reflecting this transition, recent polling from the North Carolina League for Conservation Voters Foundation (NCLCVF) reveals a statewide consensus that’s as clear as the Carolina sky:

• A commanding 75% of voters advocate for a ramp-up in renewable energy, with solar energy beaming at the forefront with 79% approval.
• Sixty-two percent want to see the state reduce its use of fossil fuels, and two in three voters (67%) want North Carolina to speed up the transition to clean and renewable energy.
• North Carolinians strongly favor President Joe Biden’s clean energy policies, including the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), with 73% support for North Carolina accepting federal funding from the Biden clean energy plan to invest in the state.

Parallel to this groundswell of public support, Climate Power’s Clean Energy Boom report chronicled a remarkable upsurge in North Carolina’s clean energy jobs since the enactment of President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA).

The much-talked-about boom in the clean energy sector isn’t coming—it’s already here. Climate Power’s Fall Clean Energy Boom report showcases this through the creation of over 4,768 clean energy jobs in North Carolina, with 13 initiatives contributing an impressive $9.78 billion to the state’s economy.

These projects are not just harnessing renewable sources; they are generating a current of economic empowerment that flows through disadvantaged communities, including rural and communities of color, lighting a path toward prosperity.

Nowhere is this change more palpable than in North Carolina’s rural communities. According to the “Clean Jobs North Carolina 2023,” North Carolina ranks 1st among all 50 states in rural clean energy jobs, with 25,563 clean energy jobs in rural areas.

This leadership is not only about setting records; it’s about reshaping rural economies traditionally susceptible to downturns. The influx of clean energy jobs is a lifeline, injecting vitality and resilience into these communities, heralding a new era of economic and social upliftment.

A prime example is the significant expansion of Toyota’s EV battery plant in rural Randolph County. Bolstered by the Inflation Reduction Act, Toyota expanded its investment by $2.5 billion in August 2022.

And they just committed an additional $8 billion – now totaling $13.9 billion and more than 5,000 jobs. This development, announced by Gov. Roy Cooper [and not yet factored into the Climate Power report], exemplifies the profound impact of clean energy investments in rural areas and further solidifies the state’s number one ranking in rural clean energy jobs.

In the ever-evolving policy landscape of North Carolina, the battle lines over clean energy jobs are drawn with striking clarity. Champions of the IRA stress the significant economic and environmental benefits for their constituents.

On the other side, critics have tried to repeal the Inflation Reduction Act at least 25 times, which would kill clean energy jobs and reverse our nation’s clean energy progress.

Amidst this backdrop, Democratic Gov. Cooper’s support for clean energy jobs has been a guiding force, showcasing his commitment to environmental sustainability and economic progress. In stark contrast, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson’s dismissal of the proven reality of climate change as “junk science” puts him at odds with North Carolinians. Robinson, the leading Republican candidate to replace Cooper, has criticized people who call for reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and other efforts to reduce the pollution directly leading to climate change.

Looking ahead to 2024, the significance of clean energy jobs in North Carolina’s economy cannot be overstated. Thanks to President Biden and the supporters of the clean energy plan, businesses have the security and stability to break ground on new facilities and create good-paying jobs. And thanks to Gov. Cooper, North Carolina has established itself as a leading state for this clean energy economy, especially in rural communities.

The momentum our state has generated, however, is not a guarantee. It requires continued support, innovation, and the collective will of our policymakers, communities, and industries.

We must not allow short-sighted political agendas to derail this progress. Instead, we should embrace and champion these changes, ensuring North Carolina continues to lead the charge in clean energy development.

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