Paper spotlights power politics surrounding N.C. energy bill

Yesterday we reported on a rally held at the North Carolina General Assembly by environmental groups angered by energy interests' hijacking of what started out as legislation to promote renewable energy.

We mentioned the unusual role played by state Sen. Dan Clodfelter (D-Mecklenburg), who guided the bill through the legislative process. We noted that Clodfelter was one of the legislature's two biggest recipients of energy companies' campaign contributions, holds stock in those companies, and works for a law firm that represents those companies.

Well, today's Winston-Salem Journal has an article that examines in detail Clodfelter's work on the bill and his apparent conflicts of interest. The article also reports on the lack of openness surrounding the legislation's crafting:

Critics say that the process meant that the bill was designed without public scrutiny or debate. The meetings were open, but no minutes were kept.

Instead of being done through an open democratic process, the changes to the bill were made by an ad-hoc group of lawyers and lobbyists representing Duke Energy and Progress Energy who revamped the legislation before it was formally considered by lawmakers, according to the paper.

The appearance of various conflicts of interest aside, however, Clodfelter rejects any charges that he's carrying water for the energy companies:

"I'm disappointed if folks have to stoop to that kind of stuff," he said.

Labels: campaign finance, energy policy, north carolina