This memo, commissioned by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association (NCSEA) and the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), explores how changes in energy policy could affect job creation, infrastructure investment, and economic outcomes.
The analysis compares two potential scenarios: clean energy deployment either continues under existing carbon-reduction targets or SB266 alters those targets. Findings highlight significant economic trade-offs, including reduced energy sector growth and fewer job opportunities; passing SB266 would have the following effects on the state:
- Total peak capacity of 12 GW below the 2035 projected status quo, presenting challenges for the state in fulfilling rising power demand.
- Over 50,000 fewer jobs annually, on average, in the power sector.
- Unmaterialized power sector investments of over $47.2 billion between 2030 and 2035.
- More than $1.4 billion in unrealized state tax revenue.
- Limited deployment of advanced natural gas technologies.
Download the full memo to explore the economic modeling and key insights informing the discourse around SB266 and the future of North Carolina’s energy economy.
