Green Energy
Our communities deserve clean, sustainable, homegrown energy. We believe North Carolina can lead the South into a 21st-century energy economy that’s built to last.
MountainTrue is dedicated to helping North Carolina communities transition to renewable energy. We work with local community members, policymakers and utilities to bring our region sustainable solutions for our ever-growing energy needs.
Become a Member of the Recycling Team in Henderson County
This task force promotes city, county, and regional recycling programs (including curb-side pick-up) and advocates to improve Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle programs. The Recycling Team educates the public and policymakers about best practices by speaking at county commission meetings, writing letters to the editor, holding public forums, contacting schools and businesses, and organizing eco-tours. For more information or to become a committee member, email Katie Breckheimer at breckheimerkatie@gmail.com.
Energy and Sustainability News
N.C. Utilities Commission Decision on Duke Energy’s Proposed Asheville Gas Plant Mixed, Conservation Groups Say
CHAPEL HILL, N.C.–Conservation groups expressed some reservations about today’s mixed decision by the North Carolina Utilities Commission on Duke Energy’s proposal to build a new gas-fired power plant in Western North Carolina. In a brief Notice of Decision, the Commission announced its decision to issue a “certificate of public convenience and necessity” to Duke for two 280 megawatt natural gas combined cycle units to replace the 379 MW coal plant when it retires in 2020. At the same time, the commission respected the recommendation of its Public Staff and calls from the public by denying Duke’s request for early approval of a third, 186 MW combustion turbine unit that Duke claimed it might need in 2023, if at all.
DEQ Puts Cliffside Area Residents at Risk of Coal Ash Contamination
The Department of Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) risk classification for North Carolina’s coal ash pits puts the health of residents who live downstream from the Cliffside coal ash impoundments, including those who live in Shelby and Gaffney, SC, at risk from contaminated drinking water.
Hendersonville Green Drinks: The Path Toward a Cleaner, Safer and More Affordable Energy Future
MountainTrue Campaigns Director Joan Walker is the featured presenter of the next Hendersonville Green Drinks on Thursday, January 14 at Black Bear Coffee in downtown Hendersonville. Attendees will learn about the current state of Duke Energy’s Western Carolinas Modernization project, and ongoing efforts by MountainTrue and the Carolina Land Coalition to ensure that Duke prioritizes energy efficiency and renewable infrastructure and reduces its reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental Groups File to Intervene on Duke Energy’s Proposed New Gas Plant
Asheville, N.C. — MountainTrue and the Sierra Club, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC), today filed a petition to intervene in proceeding before the North Carolina Utilities Commission regarding Duke Energy’s proposed new gas-fired power plant that the company has branded its “Western Carolinas Modernization Project.”