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Scientists urge NC officials not to approve Duke plan to build more gas-fired power plants

Emissions rise from Duke Energy's coal-fired Asheville power plant in Arden, N.C., in 2018.
Charles Mostoller
/
Bloomberg via Getty Images
Emissions rise from Duke Energy's coal-fired Asheville power plant in Arden, N.C., in 2018.

A group of 45 scientists, including some who formerly worked for the EPA, is urging North Carolina officials not to approve Duke Energy's plan to build more gas-fired power plants.

Duke wants to expand its use of natural gas as part of a plan to reduce and eventually eliminate carbon emissions by 2050.

In a letter to Gov. Roy Cooper and Duke Energy CEO Lynn Good Monday, the scientists say Duke should "begin winding down" its use of natural gas - not increase it. They want to see more solar and wind power, and battery storage.

The North Carolina Utilities Commission has until Dec. 31 to approve a carbon plan that meets the state's climate goals.

Annette is originally a Midwest gal, born and raised in Michigan, but with career stops in many surrounding states, the Pacific Northwest, and various parts of the southeast. She has been involved in the media industry in eastern North Carolina for more than three years. An award-winning journalist and mother of four, Annette moved to ENC to be closer to family – in particular, her two young grandchildren. It’s possible that a -27 day with a -68 windchill in Minnesota may have also played a role in that decision. In her spare time, Annette does a lot of toddler and baby cuddling, reading, designing costumes for children’s theater and producing the coolest Halloween costumes anyone has ever seen. She has also worked as a diversity and inclusion facilitator serving school districts and large corporations. It’s the people that make this beautiful area special, and she wants to share those stories that touch the hearts of others. If you have a story idea to share, please reach out by email to westona@cravencc.edu.