North Mecklenburg News

North Carolina lawmakers have passed a groundbreaking clean energy bill, marking a significant step toward transforming the state's energy landscape. The Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee of the House Commerce Committee is currently holding a markup and voting on two bills introduced by Congressman Richard Hudson. The bills, titled the Protecting America’s Distribution Transformer Supply Chain Act and drafted advanced nuclear legislation, aim to support clean and sufficient energy for North Carolina.

The Energy, Climate, & Grid Security Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters pertaining to the National Energy Policy, energy infrastructure and security, and various energy-related agencies and commissions. This includes topics such as fossil energy, renewable energy, nuclear energy, energy conservation, utility concerns, and interstate energy compacts. The subcommittee also focuses on energy generation, marketing, reliability, transmission, siting, exploration, production, efficiency, cybersecurity, and rate-setting for all generated power. Additionally, they have jurisdiction over areas concerning the Department of Homeland Security.

During the Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee Field Hearing in Moore County, NC, titled "Advancing Grid Security and Resilience," opening remarks were presented by Subcommittee on Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Chair Jeff Duncan (R-SC) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC), according to report from Energy Commerce Gov. In our capacity, we maintain close collaboration with the Department of Energy and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to guarantee effective coordination and readiness of both our electric grid and the utility companies managing it. This preparation encompasses a broad spectrum of challenges, including those posed by extreme weather conditions, physical threats, as well as cybersecurity risks.

North Carolina is currently experiencing a surge in gas and energy prices. Over the past month, energy costs have increased by 5.6%, and gas prices have risen by 16 cents per gallon compared to the previous year. The inflation crisis, exacerbated by the spending and energy policies of Washington Democrats, has contributed to this situation. However, House Republicans, including Congressman Richard Hudson, are actively working on strategies to counteract these soaring prices. They have passed H.R. 1, known as the Lower Energy Costs Act, which aims to stimulate domestic energy production, overturn President Joe Biden's anti-energy policies, and alleviate the financial strain on families due to increased energy expenses.

The bills introduced by Congressman Richard Hudson and the efforts of House Republicans reflect the commitment to addressing the concerns of high energy costs and ensuring clean and sufficient energy for North Carolina. These initiatives transcend political partisanship and aim to create a more sustainable and affordable energy future for the state.