Energy proposal projecting $15B savings reaches governor

Two bills, including an energy proposal projected to save $15 billion, arrived for first-term Democratic Gov. Josh Stein to sign into law on Tuesday.

Three more are listed on the state legislative website for delivery on Wednesday.

The Power Bill Reduction Act, known also as Senate Bill 266, authored by Sens. Timothy Moffitt of Henderson County, Danny Britt of Robeson County and Warren Daniel of Burke County, would “eliminate the interim date for carbon reduction by certain electric public utilities.” The 2021 law called for 70% reduction of emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The proposal makes it 70% by 2050.

Advocates say deadlines that crush flexibility to use natural gas, nuclear and emerging technologies as well as renewables would be changed if the bill becomes law.

Projections say savings could escalate to $15 billion.

Passage was 29-11 in the Senate and 75-36 in the House of Representatives.

Also delivered was House Bill 928, known as Allow PTs in School Concussion Protocol. The proposal from Rep. Allen Chesser, R-Nash, would allow physical therapists to evaluate student-athlete head injuries during athletic events. Senate passage was 41-0 and the House favored it 100-11.

Scheduled for delivery on Wednesday as the Legislature sprints toward the July 4 holiday break is the Parents Protection Act (Senate Bill 442, with companion House Bill 560); Clarify Motor Vehicle Dealer Laws (SB295, HB406); and School Contracted Health Services (SB77).

The Parents Protection Act deals with changes to laws impacting the care of juveniles and adoption of children. The 13-page dealer laws bill says it prevents “unfair dealer franchise terminations” and clarifies dealer termination assistance rights.

The school health services bill involves parental choice in school nursing service providers.