Source: NY Times
A North Carolina town filed a lawsuit on Wednesday accusing Duke Energy, one of the nation’s largest utility companies, of deceiving the public about climate change and contributing to the warming of the planet.
The mayor and City Council of Carrboro, a town next to Chapel Hill, said in its lawsuit in North Carolina Superior Court that Duke Energy had known for decades that its operations contributed to the climate crisis but failed to curb its emissions of greenhouse gases. Instead, the lawsuit argues, the company increased its use of fossil fuels, often in disadvantaged communities.
“Historically underserved and marginalized communities are facing disproportionate impacts and health risks that are associated with climate change,” said Barbara Foushee, Carrboro’s mayor. “This was not an easy decision to make, but I believe that we must be courageous as we call out these injustices and seek change and accountability.”
