Energy Bill Gets House Approval with Bipartisan Support

Today in a bipartisan vote of 90-20, the North Carolina House of Representatives passed HB 951, Energy Solutions for North Carolina.
 
House Speaker Tim Moore said, “The time for energy independence is now. North Carolina needs these innovative solutions, both for our state and our national security.”
 
He continued, “Once this bill is law, North Carolina citizens and businesses can be confident that the future of energy policy in our state prioritizes both the stewardship of our natural resources and keeping energy costs low.”
 
HB 951 will now go to the Governor’s desk for his signature or veto.

NC House Speaker on the Passing of Rep. Dana Bumgardner

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore would like to share the following statement in light of the passing of Rep. Dana Bumgardner Carter (R-Gaston):
 
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of my friend and colleague, Rep. Dana Bumgardner following his battle with cancer. Rep. Bumgardner, former insurance chair and current appropriations chair, served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for eight years.
 
A businessman of 20 years, Dana was a principled man who fought hard for his constituents in Gaston County. He was quick-witted, principled, and never afraid to speak up for what was right. While Rep. Bumgardner was never afraid of a tough legislative battle, he always did so with grace and was friendly with his colleagues on both sides of an issue.
 
Dana is survived by his wife Cindy of 34 years, his children, Lauren and Austin, and his grandchildren Payton, Maggie, and Kate.”

Governor, Legislative Leaders Reach Agreement on Major Energy Legislation

Governor Roy Cooper, Senate President Pro Tem Phil Berger, House Speaker Tim Moore, Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue and House Democratic Leader Robert Reives have reached an agreement on key energy legislation. The bipartisan compromise is expected to move through the legislature next week.  
 
The leaders issued the following statements: 
 
Governor Roy Cooper: “This bipartisan agreement sets a clean energy course for North Carolina’s future that is better for the economy, better for the environment, and better for the pocketbooks of everyday North Carolinians, I am encouraged that we have been able to reach across the aisle to find a way forward that will update our energy systems while saving people money and doing our part to slow climate change.” 
 
Senate Leader Phil Berger: “North Carolina is a growing state, attracting businesses and families from all over. That growth depends on a stable supply of reliable and affordable energy. After months of policy negotiations, we reached an agreement that will signal to businesses and families here now or considering a move here that North Carolina’s leaders are committed to pro-growth energy policies.” 
 
House Speaker Tim Moore: “We have a responsibility to be good stewards of our natural resources while also maintaining low costs for citizens and businesses, and this bill achieves each of those goals. It is absolutely crucial for our state and for our national security that we prioritize energy independence now.” 
 
Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue: “I am proud of the work put forth in this energy bill. This legislation will put our clean energy aspirations into action, We need to continue working to protect our environment, and all rate payers, as we move North Carolina to a clean energy future.” 
 
House Democratic Leader Robert Reives: “I support this compromise that helps build a resilient North Carolina that combats climate change, creates green jobs, and helps consumers and businesses have predictable, fair prices.” 
 
Among other things, the bipartisan energy compromise includes the following highlights: 
 
  • Requires the NC Utilities Commission (Utilities Commission) to follow the least cost pathway in reducing carbon emissions by 70% by the year 2030 and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050 without sacrificing reliability. The plan will be developed by the Utilities Commission with utility and stakeholder input and reviewed every two years to allow for improving and emerging technologies.  
  • Requires 45% of solar power to come from a competitive bidding process among Independent Power Producers (IPP) and 55% from Public Utilities, which will help reduce costs and encourage innovation. 
  • Makes energy efficiency improvements more affordable for more North Carolinians, particularly those with low to moderate incomes. Consumers would benefit from access to low to zero interest capital and the ability to qualify based on factors beyond credit scores and collateral. They could also pay down the cost of these improvements through a monthly payment that is taken care of by the resulting savings on their lower cost electric bill.  
  • Requires Public Utilities to use securitization at 50% to retire coal-fired power plants resulting in lower cost to consumers.  
  • Provides for the Utilities Commission to develop multi-year rate plans and performance-based incentives on ratemaking. This provides the utility a better pathway to invest in what’s needed to make the clean energy transition and align more of their earnings to match energy efficient savings and other public interest goals. It also includes strong protections that limit the utility’s ability to over earn. 
  • Helps ensure reliable energy by maintaining the Public Utility vertical integration model with a Utilities Commission that retains robust regulatory authority and discretion.  
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Speaker Moore Responds to Governor’s Veto of Collusive Settlements Bill

Today Governor Cooper vetoed SB 360, “Prohibit Collusive Settlements by the AG.”
 
The bill would have prohibited the attorney general from excluding the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate from settlement agreements when they are parties to a lawsuit.
 
House Speaker Tim Moore said, “It is simply common sense that the General Assembly should be involved in any settlement to which they are a party.”
 
He continued, “Senate Bill 360 would have mitigated the political games played by the attorney general in our state and further strengthened the checks and balances in our state.”
 
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Superior Court Blocks Voter ID Law in New Ruling

Today a three judge panel blocked North Carolina’s voter ID law, which 56% of North Carolina voters supported in a ballot measure in 2018.
 
Sam Hayes, General Counsel for North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore, said, “Once again, liberal judges have defied the will of North Carolinians on election integrity. Voters of this state have repeatedly supported a voter ID requirement – going so far as to enshrine it in our state constitution. Senate Bill 824 is one of the most generous in the country, and it was modeled on those of other states. At trial, Plaintiffs could not produce a single witness who would be unable to vote because of the law.”
 
He continued, “In his dissent, Judge Poovey noted that “[n]ot one scintilla of evidence was introduced during this trial that any legislator acted with racially discriminatory intent.” In fact, the bill was co-sponsored by African-American State Senator Joel Ford. This fight is far from over. We look forward to appealing this partisan ruling on behalf of the people of North Carolina.”

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore Appoints Gus Tulloss to NC Ports Authority

North Carolina House Speaker Tim Moore has appointed Gus Tulloss, President and CEO of Gus Tolluss Insurance, to the North Carolina Ports Authority.
 
Tulloss is a former member of the UNC Board of Governors and Honoree of the East Carolina University Alumni of the Year Award. Gus received the East Carolina Boy Scout Distinguished Service award in 2005 and Rocky Mount Chamber’s Distinguished Citizen of the Year award in 2016. He is a member of State and National Association of Life Underwriters and a former member of the North Carolina Department of Transportation.
 
Gus has been a licensed insurance agent since 1989. He is a 1966 graduate from East Carolina University with a BS in Business Administration. Gus is a former President of the North Carolina Jaycees, Rocky Mount Rotary Club, and Rocky Mount Chamber of Commerce. He is past Chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board and Benvenue Country Club.

Bill Prohibiting Collusive Settlements by Attorney General Passes NC House

Raleigh, NC— Today the North Carolina House of Representatives has advanced legislation that would prohibit the Attorney General from excluding the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate from settlement agreements when they are parties to a lawsuit.
 
Senate Bill 360 would require that “when the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President Pro Tempore of the Senate have jointly intervened on behalf of the General Assembly, or are jointly named in their official capacities as parties to a lawsuit, both must approve any consent judgment or settlement agreement prior to the Attorney General entering into the judgment or agreement.”
 
House Speaker Tim Moore said, “No public servant is immune to the need for checks and balances. When the Speaker of the House and President Pro Tempore of the Senate are named as parties to a lawsuit, they must be involved in any settlement agreements.”
 
He continued, “Our current attorney general has repeatedly excluded the General Assembly in settlement agreements, often choosing politics over his duty to defend our state constitution.The justice system is simply not a venue to be weaponized for political gain. Accountability at every level is imperative to our work for the people of North Carolina.”

Cooper Vetoes Harsher Penalties for Rioters and Nondiscrimination in Schools

Today Governor Cooper vetoed two common sense bills. House Bill 805 would have enforced harsher penalties for rioters while striking a common sense balance of cracking down on violence while preserving the first amendment rights of protestors. House Bill 324 would have protected students from discrimination in the classroom and teachers from discriminatory and radical training programs.

House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Last year, I watched rioters cause enormous damage to downtown Raleigh while the Governor did nothing. Today’s veto is another slap in the face to the small business owners and residents of cities and towns across this state that were damaged by lawless riots.”

“House Bill 805 is a common sense bill that would have protected small businesses and individuals in the event that a protest became violent and focused solely on the perpetrators of violence rather than peaceful protestors. Every suggested change to improve the bill from the other side of the aisle was incorporated. Unfortunately, for this Governor pandering to the far left is more important than the rule of law.”

He continued, “The governor also vetoed House Bill 324 today, which would have ensured that students of every race would be protected from discrimination in the classroom. I am disappointed that Governor Cooper would block legislation that simply protects students or teachers from being forced to accept the false idea that one race is superior or inferior to another.”

 

 

Appeals Court Blocks Lower Court Ruling in Felon Voter Case

Today the North Carolina Court of Appeals blocked a lower court ruling in a felon voter rights case, granting a petition for a writ of supersedeas and staying the expanded injunction pending appeal.
 
This decision comes after legislative leaders asked Attorney General Josh Stein to immediately appeal the lower court’s verbal order. When Stein refused to act, legislative leaders fired Stein and hired outside counsel.
 
Sam Hayes, General Counsel for House Speaker Tim Moore said, “We are pleased with the Order upholding the rule of law, which was issued today by the North Carolina Court of Appeals.”
 
He continued, “I want to thank our excellent legal team led by David Thompson, Pete Patterson, and Nicole Moss with the law firm of Cooper & Kirk. Despite the Attorney General’s complete abdication of his duty, they stepped in and scored a major win for the people of North Carolina. Although this fight is far from over, we are confident that the Constitution will prevail in the end.”

House Bill 324 Gets Final Approval, Heads to Governor

Today in a vote of 60-41, House Bill 324, “Ensuring Dignity/ Nondiscrimination in Public Schools” received final approval in the North Carolina House of Representatives. The bill would prohibit public school units from officially promoting certain concepts that are contrary to the equality and rights of all persons, including critical race theory.
 
House Speaker Tim Moore said, “Our schools should be a place where our children are educated and inspired. However, some have hijacked our classrooms to instill their own hateful, anti-American values in our students, while any opposing viewpoints to this theory from students or other teachers are met with rebuke, even bullying.”
 
He continued, “Our schools should be safe havens of free thought and expression rather than camps for radical indoctrination. Using our classrooms to promote the lie that our children are inherently racist does more to divide than unite. This has no place in North Carolina schools.”
 
According to a recent survey, just 33 percent of voters agreed with the statement that “white Americans are inherently racist whether they know it or not because they benefit from the American culture of systematic racism and white privilege.”
 
Lt. Governor Mark Robinson extended his support for HB 324, saying, “North Carolina needs to take the lead in protecting our children from anti-American indoctrination. While we should know and understand the history of our country, we need to teach the next generation what lessons we learned from our past, how far we have come as a nation.”
 
He continued, “The F.A.C.T.S. Task Force and the Indoctrination in North Carolina Public Education Report produced by the Office of the Lieutenant Governor sheds light on a problem affecting public education in our state. It is time we return to teaching our children how to think, and not what to think.”
 
The bill now goes to the governor’s desk for his signature.