Overview

• Carrboro, NC, has filed the first U.S. lawsuit against an electric utility, alleging Duke Energy misled the public about the dangers of fossil fuel emissions for over 50 years.
• The lawsuit accuses Duke Energy of delaying the transition to renewable energy through misinformation campaigns and 'greenwashing' practices.
• Carrboro claims it faces millions in costs for infrastructure repairs and climate adaptation due to Duke's actions, including damage from extreme weather events like Hurricane Helene.
• The case builds on a growing trend of lawsuits by states and municipalities holding corporations accountable for their role in the climate crisis.
• Duke Energy, one of the largest U.S. carbon emitters, has pledged renewable energy expansion but continues significant reliance on fossil fuels, which critics argue undermines climate progress.