Former Governor and Clean Energy Advocate Announces Run for Senate

Raleigh, N.C. — Today, former Governor Roy Cooper announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate. North Carolina has the chance to elect a proven leader who has consistently prioritized people over polluters. In an era of intensifying climate threats, Cooper has built a record of bold, science-based action as Governor – fighting for clean air, clean energy, and a resilient economy.

Roy Cooper’s record in North Carolina:

• In 2024, Cooper announced that EnergizeNC, North Carolina’s Solar for All coalition, received a $156 million greenhouse gas reduction fund grant to expand solar access across the state. Cooper said the grant funding would “help cut energy costs and help families across North Carolina live cleaner and healthier lives.”
• In 2023, Cooper announced a $1.6 million investment in electric vehicle manufacturing and charging career pathways.
• Cooper was instrumental in Toyota’s decision to invest $14 billion in a new EV plant in North Carolina, creating 5,000 jobs. Cooper called Toyota’s investment “likely the largest single clean energy investment in American history.”
• In 2018, Cooper issued an executive order setting a goal of reducing North Carolina’s emissions by 40% by 2025. In 2022, he expanded emissions reduction targets for the state, with the goal of reaching net zero by 2050, saying transforming the state “toward a clean and more equitable economy” would “provide good jobs and a healthy environment” for North Carolinians. 

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration’s Republican budget bill is expected to raise North Carolinians’ energy bills by $220 by 2030, and state Republicans are working to raise utility bills and undo the critical work Cooper did to set North Carolina up for a clean energy future.  North Carolina needs leadership that will meet its challenges instead of passing the costs on to residents.