Perdue's Latest Veto Threatens Jobs, Energy Independence | Eastern North Carolina Now

    Publisher's note: Please forgive the lateness of this press release, so diligently sent to us at BCN by Representative Bill Cook, but due to be without power for about 22 hours because of the most inclement of weather, we are post this information rather untimely after the veto override, by Governor Perdue, has already occurred and been reported on by us.

For Immediate Release:

    Raleigh, N.C.     Gov. Beverly Perdue on Sunday vetoed legislation that would have paved the way for a robust local energy sector, lured private investment to the state and created new jobs for North Carolinians.

    Below is a joint statement from Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham) and House Speaker Thom Tillis (R-Mecklenburg).

    "Gov. Perdue's latest flip-flop on shale gas exploration is an attempt to slam the brakes on the creation of a vibrant new economic sector in North Carolina. The General Assembly incorporated many of the governor's recommendations in a bipartisan plan to begin developing the regulatory framework for affordable, clean energy alternatives. We are disappointed, but not surprised, that when decision time neared, she once again caved to her liberal base rather than support the promise of more jobs for our state."

    Gov. Perdue's stance on the creation of an energy sector in North Carolina has changed repeatedly in recent years. After stating her support for the development of offshore energy, she vetoed the Energy Jobs Act, which would have put pressure on President Obama to open the East Coast for energy exploration. Earlier this year the governor flip-flopped again, expressing her confidence natural gas exploration could be done safely after a research trip to Pennsylvania. Her administration even issued a report concluding shale gas exploration could be done safely.

    Contacts:

      Amy Auth (Berger), (919) 301-1737

      Jordan Shaw (Tillis), (919) 733-3451

      Brandon Greife (Berger), (919) 301-1735