Energy

The House Committee on Energy and Energy Efficiency, which I chair, began hearing House Bill 77, the Renewable Energy and Efficiency Portfolio Standard (REPS), sponsored by Representatives Martin, Harrell, Justice, and I. The bill would require that 15% of North Carolina's future energy needs will come from renewable energy and energy efficiency. 23 other states and the District of Columbia have passed similar efforts. Moving away from fossil fuel-based energy production to 7.5% renewable energy sources is expected to create more than 20,000 green jobs in NC, as well as significantly reduce our carbon footprint. The bill will continue to be heard in House Energy for the next few weeks.