Shanteya Hudson, Public News Service (NC)
The Town of Carrboro is leveraging state law to combat climate change, announcing a lawsuit aimed at Duke Energy.
Barbara Foushee, mayor of Carrboro, announced the lawsuit, filed in Orange County Superior Court, alleging the company misled the public about the dangers of fossil fuels and delayed its transition to renewable-energy sources. Foushee said the town wants accountability for the damage caused by the delays and the harmful effects of the company’s continued reliance on coal and gas.
“For years, Duke Energy Corp. has been working against our public safety,” Foushee alleged. “As our town has been working hard to use every tool at our disposal to mitigate the devastating effects of climate change.”
Foushee argued the climate crisis has taken a toll on Carrboro’s public health and well-being and cost the town millions of dollars. She added while fossil fuels have caused measurable harm, Duke Energy has doubled down on coal and gas use, even constructing new coal plants in North Carolina.
Danny Nowell, mayor pro tem,, underscored what he called the depth of Duke Energy’s climate deception and the effects it has had on communities.
“Because of their monopoly, North Carolinians had no choice but to trust their deceptions,” Nowell contended. “Our trust has been violated, and we have paid for it. We have paid for excess road repairs. We have faced the effects of stormwater, and we will continue to pay for even further expenses as we uncover them.”
The Center for Biological Diversity and the nonprofit climate justice group NC WARN are assisting Carrboro with its case.
Jim Warren, executive director of NC WARN, said Duke Energy’s leadership needs to be held accountable for what he called its long history of misleading the public and the widespread harm caused by its practices, comparing them to the tobacco industry. He is optimistic the lawsuit could provide relief and accountability for others who have suffered from the harmful effects allegedly caused by the company.
“We all hope this lawsuit can help the many communities down east North Carolina, in the mountains, around the world that have been hurt already by climate disasters,” Warren emphasized.
Duke Energy said it is reviewing the complaint.
A number of similar lawsuits have been filed, but none has gone to trial.