Critical
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Three North Carolina lawmakers - Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, and Alma Adams - are questioning Duke Energy’s decision to withdraw from the Carolina Long Bay offshore wind lease after receiving a $129 million federal payout. They’ve requested documentation on the decision, citing concerns about its impact on clean energy goals, job creation, and transmission planning in the state.
This inquiry comes amid broader scrutiny of federal payouts tied to offshore wind project cancellations. North Carolina has ambitious renewable energy targets, with offshore wind seen as a cornerstone of its clean energy strategy.
Why it matters: Heightened legislative oversight of renewable energy decisions could pressure Duke Energy to increase transparency in project planning. This scrutiny may also influence how utilities approach federal funding opportunities and renewable energy commitments, particularly in states with aggressive clean energy mandates.