Energy
In the Tank
The increased interest in renewable energy has led to the implementation of biofuel incentives and mandates by many state governments in the United States. Production of biofuels using edible crops,…
Research
Transportation
Finding a Home for Orphan Roads
Many properties outside of incorporated cities in North Carolina are located on roads that are not maintained by any state or local government. Some of these roads may have no…
Elections & Public Integrity
Limiting Gerrymandering in North Carolina
It has been several decades since North Carolina produced a set of congressional and state legislative redistricting maps that have survived for an entire decade. Courts have struck down many…
Environment
North Carolina: First in Forestry
As “the birthplace of American Forestry,” North Carolina is often recognized for its early role in establishing research-backed forest management techniques, and it continues to offer a refreshing perspective. The…
Law & Public Safety
Mental Illness and Substance Abuse
Substance abuse, severe mental illness, homelessness, poverty, crime, and other social disorders are now seemingly rampant problems. Videos taken from the streets of Los Angeles and Philadelphia and shared on…
Elections & Public Integrity
What Happened in 2020?
President Donald Trump approved the 2020 election in the Tar Heel State saying in 2021, “North Carolina produced a big victory for us, without a fraudulent outcome.” Nevertheless, there were…
2022 North Carolina Economic Factbook
We are happy to present the 2022 edition of the North Carolina Economic Performance Factbook (NCEPF). Much has happened since we published our last edition two years ago. North Carolina…
Energy
Analysis of Duke Energy’s Carolinas Carbon Plan and a Least Cost Decarbonization Alternative
Each of the four alternate portfolios in the Duke plan would greatly increase the cost of electricity in North Carolina, greatly increase the average monthly bills of North Carolina households,…
Environment
Big Blow: Offshore Wind Power’s Devastating Costs and Impacts on North Carolina
One of President Joe Biden’s day-one executive orders sought to double offshore wind by 2030, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper issued an executive order for developing 2.8 gigawatts (GW)…
North Carolina Budget and Tax Policy Highlights
The purpose of the North Carolina Budget & Tax Highlights is to equip the legislator, as well as the layman, with updated data to better understand state fiscal policy issues and trends…
Regulation
Pro-Worker, Pro-Growth
Author: F. Vincent Vernuccio In 2022, North Carolina celebrates the 75th anniversary of its right-to-work law. A majority of states (27) currently protect worker freedom, with nine of those states…
Education
Critical Race Theory Primer
Critical race theory is a movement that demands its adherents transform supposedly racist institutions, structures, and ideals through hardline activism. It argues that the United States was built on a…