Carrboro Files Nation’s First Climate Accountability Lawsuit Against Duke Energy Over Fossil Fuel Deception

Carrboro, a small town in North Carolina, has launched the nation’s first-ever climate accountability lawsuit against an electric utility, Duke Energy. Filed on December 4, 2024, the lawsuit accuses Duke Energy of a long-running “deception campaign” to downplay the dangers of fossil fuel emissions.

The town claims that the utility’s actions have delayed critical climate action, increasing the costs of addressing climate change today. Carrboro’s mayor, Barbara Foushee, emphasized the need for bold action against the existential threat of climate change, asserting that Duke Energy’s past efforts to mislead the public have had serious consequences.

The legal action follows a report from the Energy and Policy Institute, which revealed that Duke Energy and its predecessor companies were made aware of the climate risks posed by fossil fuels as early as 1969. The lawsuit highlights multiple instances where Duke Energy, despite knowledge of these dangers, continued to support fossil fuel infrastructure and oppose measures to curb carbon emissions.

This included participating in campaigns that cast doubt on climate science, such as a 1991 advertisement from the Edison Electric Institute that questioned the severity of climate change.

Duke Energy’s tactics to obscure the risks of climate change were further exposed by the lawsuit, citing how the company supported misinformation campaigns that delayed effective climate action. In recent years, the utility has been accused of greenwashing, presenting itself as a leader in clean energy while simultaneously expanding its fossil fuel operations.

Despite portraying itself as a proponent of cleaner energy, Duke Energy is involved in one of the largest planned gas buildouts in the U.S., which directly contradicts the urgent actions recommended by climate scientists.

Carrboro’s lawsuit is not just about the past; it argues that Duke’s actions have directly contributed to increased climate-related costs for the town. The lawsuit alleges that the utility’s deception has led to significant flooding and infrastructure damage, and the town is seeking damages to cover the costs of adapting its roads and energy systems.

These costs are expected to run into the millions of dollars. Carrboro’s legal team asserts that Duke Energy’s conduct violated state laws designed to protect residents from environmental harm, and the town hopes to secure compensation for the damages caused by the utility’s failure to address climate change.

This lawsuit is part of a broader trend of legal actions by states and municipalities against fossil fuel companies and utilities for their role in spreading climate misinformation. In recent months, several other entities have filed similar lawsuits, including Maine’s attorney general against major oil companies and Oregon’s Multnomah County against a regional gas provider.

Carrboro’s case is a significant example of a smaller community challenging a major corporation over its environmental impact, and local leaders hope it will inspire other towns to pursue similar actions. Despite the challenges of taking on a powerful corporation like Duke Energy, Carrboro’s commitment to climate justice remains steadfast.