DURHAM, North Carolina - “This bipartisan bill sets aggressive clean energy goals and puts North Carolina on a path toward meaningful climate action. In an era of rising seas and extreme weather, that’s a significant win for birds and people, especially those most impacted by our changing climate. We support this bill and the fast, deep cuts in carbon emissions it would bring,” said Andrew Hutson, Executive Director at Audubon North Carolina and Vice President at National Audubon Society.
The original version of House Bill 951—introduced by lawmakers over the summer—fell far short of the bold clean energy action needed to protect birds. Two-thirds of North American bird species are at risk of extinction because of changes in our climate, including more than 200 species that nest, winter, and migrate through North Carolina.
Audubon advocates across the state spoke up against the bill, asking for a bold commitment to climate action. The new version of the bill heads to Senate committee votes tomorrow.
“This bill was made better by thousands of North Carolinians who spoke up for a clean energy future,” Hutson said. “Still, the bill is by no means perfect and will require important follow-through by the Utilities Commission to deliver on its promise. There is still much work to do to address our changing climate in a way that is just and equitable. Audubon is committed to working in the coming years to make that a reality.”
Media Contact: Ben Graham, ben.graham@audubon.org
About Audubon North Carolina
Audubon North Carolina, a state program of the National Audubon Society, has offices in Durham, Boone, Corolla, and Wilmington. Learn more at www.nc.audubon.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. The National Audubon Society protects birds and the places they need, today and tomorrow. A nonprofit conservation organization since 1905, Audubon works throughout the Americas using science, advocacy, education, and on-the-ground conservation. Learn more at www.audubon.org and on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety.
