Governor Cooper signed House Bill 589, a substantial portion of which is necessary and comprehensive energy legislation that secures a booming North Carolina solar energy industry that leads the nation. Immediately after signing it, Cooper signed Executive Order No. 11, aimed at promoting wind energy and mitigating the effects of a wind energy moratorium that he opposes.

"A strong renewable energy industry is good for our environment and our economy," said Cooper. "This bill is critical for the future of significant increases in our already booming solar industry. I strongly oppose the ugly, last-minute, politically motivated wind moratorium. However, this fragile and hard fought solar deal will be lost if I veto this legislation and that veto is sustained."

"As I signed the bill into law today, I also signed Executive Order No. 11 that will mitigate the effects of the moratorium. This executive order directs DEQ to continue recruiting wind energy investments and to move forward with all of the behind the scenes work involved with bringing wind energy projects online, including reviewing permits and conducting pre-application review for prospective sites. I want wind energy facilities to come online quickly when this moratorium expires so our economy and our environment can continue to benefit."

NC Governor Roy Cooper | www.governor.nc.gov