A  federal appeals court has released North Carolina from a lawsuit challenging federal requirements for carbon dioxide emissions from power plants.

 

“We are pleased the court granted our motion to withdraw from this case,” said Michael Regan, secretary of the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality.Regan said. “We did not feel this case was a good use of our agency’s or taxpayers’ resources, and it did not align with our mission. This will enable us to devote more of our time and energy toward protection of air, water and natural resources.”  

 

Then-governor Pat McCrory joined other states in October 2015 to challenge part of the Clean Power Plan that addresses carbon dioxide emissions from existing power plants.

 

“The court’s decision to grant our motion to withdraw is good news for North Carolina,” North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein said. “Investing in clean energy creates jobs and combats climate change.”