Gov. Cooper Signs Pro-Renewable Energy Bill, Exec. Order

RALEIGH, NC -- North Carolina jumped forward in renewable energy on Thursday when Governor Roy Cooper signed a bill into law which is aimed at bolstering the state's solar energy industry. Following that, Gov. Cooper signed an executive order which aims to promote wind energy.

"The General Assembly of North Carolina finds that as a matter of public policy it is in the interest of the State to encourage the leasing of solar energy facilities for retail customers and subscription to shared community solar energy facilities," the bill says.

"A strong renewable energy industry is good for our environment and our economy," said Cooper.

Executive Order No. 11 moves to strengthen the state's wind power capabilities. One section of the order directs the Department of Environmental Quality, the Coastal Resources Commission and other groups to "make the best efforts to promote wind energy in the State of North Carolina."

The executive or also says that no new or expansion wind power projects will be allowed without a "Determination of No Hazard to Air Navigation," which is especially important in North Carolina considering the high volume of military air traffic.

See the full text of Executive Order No. 11 here.

Cooper said he wants wind energy facilities to "come online quickly."

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