Members of North Carolina’s House of Representatives are again seeking legislation that would prevent counties and municipal governments from banning the use of natural gas or any other form of energy to heat buildings or power appliances.
At least 20 states have passed similar so-called “preemption laws.” In North Carolina, a bill failed in the 2021-22 session following a veto from Gov. Roy Cooper.
That might not work this year, as House Bill 130 is co-sponsored by Rep. Michael Wray, a Northampton County Democrat. Republicans are one vote away from a veto-proof majority in the House, meaning that legislators could override a veto if Wray joins Republicans in a vote that otherwise goes along party lines.
