John Locke Foundation Denounces Governor Stein’s Veto of the Power Bill Reduction Act

July 2, 2025

RALEIGH – The John Locke Foundation is disappointed in Governor Josh Stein’s veto of Senate Bill 266, the Power Bill Reduction Act. This legislation would eliminate the state’s statutory goal to cut carbon emissions by 70% by 2030, while retaining the long-term goal to reduce 100% of carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2050. This bill would give the state more flexibility in achieving carbon reduction, enabling the use of readily-dispatchable natural gas, nuclear, and emerging technologies alongside existing intermittent renewables.

Donald Bryson, CEO of the John Locke Foundation, issued the following statement:

“By vetoing the Power Bill Reduction Act, Governor Stein has chosen ideology over affordability. This bill would have lifted a costly and unrealistic carbon mandate that threatened to raise electric bills and strain grid reliability. North Carolina families and businesses deserve energy policy rooted in least-cost planning — not political posturing. We urge the General Assembly to override this veto and protect ratepayers from unnecessary burdens.”