Governor Josh Stein joined business leaders on Apr. 16 for a tour of Trane Technologies’ energy-efficient HVAC system training facility in Davidson, focusing on North Carolina’s role in the clean energy economy and the significance of clean energy availability for businesses.
The discussion comes as more companies seek sustainable solutions to improve efficiency and reduce costs, which is seen as crucial for attracting investment and supporting job growth across the state. The Office of the Governor of North Carolina serves the entire state, according to the official website.
“North Carolina is leading the way in building a clean energy economy that creates good-paying jobs and keeps costs down for families,” said Governor Josh Stein. “Through advanced manufacturing leaders like Trane Technologies and new investments across our state, we are growing our economy while creating a more reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy future for North Carolinians. I learned from numerous attendees that clean energy availability is an important factor in making North Carolina an attractive state for business. It also strengthens our national security.”
Business leaders at the event echoed these sentiments. Dave Regnery, chair and CEO of Trane Technologies, said: “At Trane Technologies, we’ve shown that sustainability and strong business performance go hand in hand. Our customers need solutions that improve energy efficiency, lower operating costs and help them meet their sustainability commitments.” Shelly Cayette-Weston of Hornets Sports & Entertainment emphasized how recent renovations at Spectrum Center focused on sustainability because it “strengthen operations, deliver long-term value, and enhance the fan experience.” Jerry Williams from SAS highlighted the importance of stable policies to ensure grid reliability as electricity demand grows.
Stein hosted a roundtable with representatives from companies such as American Airlines, Albemarle Corporation, Charlotte Hornets / Hornets Sports & Entertainment, Duke Energy, Michelin, Nucor Corp., SAS Institute, Scout Motors—whose Chief Impact Officer Ryan Rose praised North Carolina’s “business-friendly environment”—and Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., whose Mandi McKay pointed to smart policies needed to modernize access to cleaner energy.
According to the official website, Josh Stein has served as the 76th governor of North Carolina. The Office executes state laws as chief executive officer and leads policy through directing budgets or granting pardons; it also serves as commander in chief of the National Guard with authority over executive appointments.
North Carolina currently has more than 100,000 residents working in clean energy jobs; nearly half a million are employed by companies with net-zero targets. Since taking office Stein has announced $4.9 billion in new investments tied to over 15,000 new jobs from global clean technology firms—including JetZero’s record commitment at Piedmont Triad International Airport—and since 2015 there have been $59.6 billion announced by net-zero target firms representing half major economic development investments statewide.
Recent initiatives include expanding Energy Saver NC program rebates statewide—which could save households about $1,000 annually—and establishing an Energy Policy Task Force tasked with ensuring affordable reliable supplies amid rising demand.
