Decarbonizing North Carolina’s Electricity Sector
Jonas J. Monast released a report in 2021 with colleagues from the Duke University Nicholas Institute for Environmental Policy Solutions. Monast, who is C. Boyden Gray Distinguished Fellow, assistant professor and director of the Center on Climate, Energy, Environment & Economics (CE3) at UNC School of Law, published Power Sector Carbon Reduction: An Evaluation of Policies for North Carolina, a 230-page report analyzing options for decarbonizing North Carolina’s electric power sector. The year-long project, launched at the request of leaders at the NC Department of Environmental Quality, included detailed policy and economic analysis, energy modeling, and intensive stakeholder engagement. The report informed the decision by state policymakers to initiate a rulemaking process for North Carolina to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (a multi-state carbon market).
“This report reflects extensive modeling, policy and economic analysis, and stakeholder engagement,” Monast says. “It does not make specific recommendations but evaluates different policies and offers options for decarbonizing the grid.”
CE3 Student Scholars Program Provides Scholarships
The law school’s UNC Center for Climate, Energy, Environment, and Economics (CE3) has expanded its scholars program to two years allowing 2Ls and 3Ls the opportunity to apply for the $3,000 scholarship. In addition to receiving the scholarship, scholars participate in exclusive extra-curricular events, including small group discussions and networking opportunities with practicing attorneys. The CE3 Scholars Program is made possible by generous donations from alumni and friends of Carolina Law to support students interested in developing a deep understanding of energy and environmental law.
Environmental Law Practice Guide Updated
Maria Savasta-Kennedy completed the fourth edition of North Carolina’s Environmental Law Practice Guide (LexisNexis, 2022), a manual for students and practitioners of environmental law in the state. The publication details the statutory and regulatory structure of North Carolina environmental law against the backdrop of federal environmental regulation in the areas of air and water quality; coastal areas and wetlands; solid and hazardous waste; natural resources; energy; environmental justice; and climate change. published the fourth edition. Savasta-Kennedy serves as clinical professor of law and director of the Externship Program at UNC School of Law. Her teaching and research interests include social and environmental justice, environmental law, regulatory and market responses to pollution control and climate change, and practical lawyering skills.
