Senate Passes Bill to Create New Energy Jobs Sector

The North Carolina Senate passed bipartisan legislation Wednesday to create a vibrant energy sector that will lure jobs and private investment to the state. The Clean Energy and Economic Security Act, sponsored by Sen. Bob Rucho (R-Mecklenburg), Sen. Harris Blake (R-Moore) and Sen. Michael Walters (D-Robeson) is a comprehensive plan to increase domestic energy production, ensure energy reliability and affordability and promote job growth.

“This is North Carolina’s chance to create an entirely new economic sector that will heat and cool our homes, fuel our vehicles, and power our state’s job creation engine for years to come,” said Rucho. “Too many of our families are struggling to make ends meet because of high unemployment and soaring energy prices. This bill is a potential game-changer that can put more money into workers’ pockets and generate more revenue for the state to ensure long-term prosperity.”

The Clean Energy and Economic Security Act will:

·       Empower the Environmental Management Commission, the Commission for Public Health and the Mining and Energy Commission to develop rules and regulations for shale gas exploration and development.

·       Authorize these regulatory bodies to develop a comprehensive framework for the safe exploration of energy resources, but prevent them from issuing permits until the General Assembly takes further legislative action.

·       Establish numerous consumer protections, including the most rigorous well water monitoring in the nation, to defend the rights of North Carolinians and the safety of our environment.

·       Create a Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Energy to provide oversight on all energy issues.

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