Article Summary –
Carrboro, NC, has sued Duke Energy, accusing it of a deceitful campaign to downplay climate threats, which has cost residents millions and heightened climate risks. This marks the first such lawsuit by a small town against an electric company. Duke Energy denies allegations and is reviewing the complaint.
Small Town Sues Electric Company Over Climate Change, Claims Deception
The Town of Carrboro initiated legal proceedings against Duke Energy Corporation this week, accusing the company of misleading the public about climate change threats and hindering fossil fuel reduction efforts, a critical factor in the ongoing crisis.
The lawsuit alleges Duke Energy’s long-standing “deception campaign” about climate change risks threatens Carrboro’s 21,000 residents, costing them millions. Mayor Barbara Foushee announced Carrboro as the first small town to sue an electric utility over fossil fuel deception, seeking compensation for community harm.
Duke Energy’s alleged negligence has “worsened the climate crisis,” affecting public rights to property use, safety, and transportation, the lawsuit states. The town faces millions in infrastructure and stormwater expenses to mitigate these effects. Residents also bear rising energy costs due to Duke’s delayed transition to clean energy.
Over the years, Duke Energy has prioritized coal and gas, profiting while Carrboro suffers, said Mayor Foushee, noting the council’s unanimous decision to pursue legal action. Duke Energy responded, stating it is “reviewing the complaint” but remains committed to delivering clean energy.
Duke Energy, identified as the third-largest climate change contributor in the US by the Political Economy Research Institute, operates several coal plants in North Carolina. Burning fossil fuels, especially coal, is the main climate change driver.
A Staggering Price Tag
Climate change concerns intensify as political shifts threaten progress. Donald Trump, who has labeled climate change a hoax, pledges to increase fossil fuel reliance. Scientific consensus confirms the profound impact of fossil fuels on global warming.
The scientific community agrees on the urgent need to address these issues despite past misinformation tactics by oil companies. Climate change poses a multi-billion-dollar threat to North Carolina, with Hurricane Helene causing damages nearing $54 billion. A recent report indicates stronger hurricanes due to climate change.
The lawsuit follows the North Carolina Utility Commission’s decision to approve Duke’s emission reduction delay to 2032, contrary to a 2021 law aiming for a 70% reduction by 2030.
‘Catastrophic Effects’
Accelerated climate risks have surprised scientists, although the consequences were long anticipated. Big contributors were aware of these risks and ignored warnings from as early as 1968, according to industry meeting records cited in the lawsuit.
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