Jon,

Note the third paragraph, which is planting the seeds for the evil-Big-Oil-and-Big-Coal-are-behind-all-of-this narrative:

The efforts could benefit U.S. utilities such as Duke Energy Corp (DUK). and PG&E Corp (PCG). as well as Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM)., the biggest U.S. oil producer, and Peabody Energy Corp (BTU)., the largest U.S. coal mining company.

Why not mention the even more salient fact: The efforts WOULD benefit utility ratepayers, who would not see their bills increased just so unsustainable renewable energy businesses could keep their economically unsound operations afloat. As renewable energy industry types told lawmakers during a recent hearing, the only reason any businessperson with any sense sinks money into this stuff is the prospect of government subsidies.

As you know, the irony is that Duke Energy doesn’t particularly care whether it has to meet the mandates, since any extra expense related to purchasing higher-cost renewable energy will be made up through higher rates. Duke is a regulated utility, not a free-market competitor.