RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina General Assembly overrode Gov. Josh Stein's veto this week, enacting Senate Bill 266 that eliminates Duke Energy's requirement to reduce carbon emissions by 70% by 2030.

The new law makes two major changes to Duke Energy's regulatory framework. It removes the carbon reduction mandate, with the utility not required to set another emissions goal until 2050. The legislation also allows Duke Energy to charge consumers for building new power plants before construction is completed.

Republicans and Democrats disagree on the financial impact for consumers.

Republican Rep. Dean Arp of Union County said on the House floor the measure will save consumers $13 billion.

"The power bill reduction act is about one thing: saving all consumers and rate payers money on

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