Primary 2024: Where the leading NC gubernatorial candidates stand on climate change

Ahead of Tuesday’s primary, North Carolina is set to host one of the most pivotal governor’s races in the country. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein and Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson are leading in the polls to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper. The stakes are high, locally and nationally. State Republicans are in solid control of the state Legislature, with an opportunity to win a trifecta in November. North Carolina is one of just two battleground states in the 11 gubernatorial elections on the ballot this year.

During Cooper’s time in office, he pushed several initiatives to fight climate change and incentivize a clean energy transition in the state, including Executive Order No. 246 establishing goals of a 50% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2050.

Public opinion and scientific consensus overwhelmingly agree on the issue of climate change. According to a recent Yale/George Mason climate opinion survey, 71% of North Carolinians of all political backgrounds believe climate change is happening and more than half believe humans are the cause. More than 99.9% of peer-reviewed scientific papers agree that climate change is mainly caused by the burning of fossil fuels, according to a survey of 88,125 climate-related studies.

Here’s where the leading candidates stand on the issue:

Robinson, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, called climate change “junk science” in a campaign speech in Hickory last year. He called educators who teach climate science “liars” and ridiculed scientists: “Stop talking to me about climate change. I know the climate changes, it happens four times a year, it’s called seasons.”

He says he plans to “keep the climate change cabal out of this state and if they are in [the] state, keeping them in chains.”

“We're living in a global climate emergency, and we need to take swift action to protect our planet for our kids and future generations,” said Attorney General Josh Stein.

Attorney General Josh Stein filed testimony in 2022 with the North Carolina Utilities Commission calling for a stronger and more affordable clean energy approach than the one proposed by Duke Energy. Stein has called for an alternative carbon plan that would dramatically reduce carbon emissions in the state over the next six years and achieve net-zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. He’s also supported incentives for rooftop solar.

“North Carolina is shaping its clean energy future – one that is better for our economy, our wallets, and our environment,” said Attorney General Josh Stein.