North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein and business community showcase leadership in advancing a competitive, clean economy

DAVIDSON, NC—Ceres applauds Gov. Josh Stein of North Carolina and business leaders from across the state for coming together to discuss opportunities to strengthen the state’s clean energy economy and expand access to affordable, reliable, homegrown energy. 

The roundtable discussion was held at the North American headquarters of Trane Technologies in Davidson, NC. Participants included businesses leaders from 19 companies with significant operations and employees in North Carolina, including American Airlines, Albemarle Corp., Charlotte Hornets / Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Duke Energy, Michelin, Nucor Corp., SAS Institute, Scout Motors, Sierra Nevada Brewing, and Trane Technologies, among others. These companies have set strong targets to reduce emissions across their operations and supply chains and are seeking greater access to clean energy to meet those targets while managing costs. 

“North Carolina’s technology sector is a powerful engine of the state’s economy—and it depends on stable, predictable energy to keep operations running and costs manageable,” said Jerry Williams, Chief Environmental Sustainability Officer at SAS. “As electricity demand continues to grow, the state must prepare its grid with modern technologies and durable policies that ensure reliability and encourage innovation. We appreciate the Stein administration’s focus on strengthening the state’s economic leadership and ensuring the grid is well-positioned to support continued growth and competitiveness.” 

“Scout Motors is proud to call North Carolina home for our corporate headquarters. The state’s leadership in the clean energy economy—paired with a strong, business-friendly environment—has created the certainty and momentum we need to scale quickly and sustainably, while connecting us to a region that’s fast becoming a national hub for mobility and manufacturing,” said Ryan Rose, Chief Impact Officer at Scout Motors. “Companies like ours are increasingly choosing to invest in states that prioritize clean, reliable, and cost-effective energy both to meet our business needs and for our employees who depend on resilient, affordable energy where they live and work. North Carolina is well-positioned to attract that investment by continuing to modernize its energy system and maintain a stable, predictable policy framework.”  

“Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. has long prioritized investments in clean energy and operational efficiency because it makes good business sense and reflects our 45-year commitment to sustainability,” said Mandi McKay, Chief Sustainability and Social Impact Officer at Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. “Smart, forward-looking policies can help modernize North Carolina’s grid and expand access to cleaner, more resilient energy for businesses of all sizes. We’re proud to join other companies in working toward a more sustainable future for North Carolinians and partnering with state leaders to help move that progress forward.” 

The roundtable focused on how public and private sector leaders can work together to strengthen North Carolina’s leadership in the clean energy economy, keep costs down for families and businesses, and create high-quality jobs statewide.  

“North Carolina has a clear opportunity to lead on energy affordability and economic growth by expanding access to clean, reliable energy,” said Anne Kelly, vice president of government relations, at Ceres. “Companies are eager to invest and grow in states that prioritize clean energy and a modern, resilient energy grid. Smart, durable policies will be critical to keeping North Carolina competitive in the years ahead.”  

x

About Ceres

Ceres is a nonprofit advocacy organization working to accelerate the transition to a cleaner, more just, and resilient economy. With data-driven research and expert analysis, we inspire investors and companies to act on the world's sustainability challenges and advocate for market and policy solutions. Together, our efforts transform industries, unlock new business opportunities, and foster innovation and job growth – proving that sustainability is the bottom line. For more information, visit ceres.org.