Michelle Alfini
@michellealf.bsky.social
Climate Beat Reporter for WSOC in Charlotte.
With the Big Beautiful Bill ending federal incentives this year, it will likely cost hundreds of thousands to millions, more for Charlotte to invest in the clean energy technology required to meet its climate goals for 2035.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
Charlotte remains committed to climate goals despite losing federal incentives
The city of Charlotte sent a statement Thursday saying the city remains committed to its climate goals regardless of federal policy changes that will make meeting those goals more expensive.
www.wsoctv.com
July 11, 2025 at 1:57 PM
With the Big Beautiful Bill ending federal incentives this year, it will likely cost hundreds of thousands to millions, more for Charlotte to invest in the clean energy technology required to meet its climate goals for 2035.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/c...
The Carolinas set an energy use record during Tuesday's heatwave. According to Duke Energy, our new summer peak is 35,269 MW, breaking our previous record 34,439 MW set last year.
June 26, 2025 at 3:36 PM
The Carolinas set an energy use record during Tuesday's heatwave. According to Duke Energy, our new summer peak is 35,269 MW, breaking our previous record 34,439 MW set last year.
As the country takes another look at nuclear energy, South Carolina is considering reviving a project whose name became synonymous with failure and corruption. I explored the debate into whether V.C. Summer be part of SC’s energy future.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/s...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/s...
June 1, 2025 at 12:34 PM
As the country takes another look at nuclear energy, South Carolina is considering reviving a project whose name became synonymous with failure and corruption. I explored the debate into whether V.C. Summer be part of SC’s energy future.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/s...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/s...
UPDATE: As of yesterday the Southeast Regional Climate Center's website is back online with a message saying its NOAA contract has been renewed.
sercc.com
sercc.com
April 22, 2025 at 3:59 PM
UPDATE: As of yesterday the Southeast Regional Climate Center's website is back online with a message saying its NOAA contract has been renewed.
sercc.com
sercc.com
As of this morning, this is all you can see if you try to access the Southeast Regional Climate Center website.
April 17, 2025 at 2:13 PM
As of this morning, this is all you can see if you try to access the Southeast Regional Climate Center website.
For years, North Carolina was a leader in solar now the state's falling behind and facing a backlash to new, utility-scale projects. As legislation targeting the industry moves through the statehouse, I spoke with farmers looking for common ground.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i...
Is solar threatening North Carolina farms, or is there room for cooperation?
North Carolina ranks 5th in the nation for solar development, but recently that development has seen a backlash.
www.wsoctv.com
April 16, 2025 at 8:33 PM
For years, North Carolina was a leader in solar now the state's falling behind and facing a backlash to new, utility-scale projects. As legislation targeting the industry moves through the statehouse, I spoke with farmers looking for common ground.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/i...
Despite our recent rain, the Charlotte area is still in a moderate drought. Fortunately the mountains seem to be getting some relief. droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/S...
April 10, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Despite our recent rain, the Charlotte area is still in a moderate drought. Fortunately the mountains seem to be getting some relief. droughtmonitor.unl.edu/CurrentMap/S...
Six months after Hurricane Helene, dozens of Charlotte families who lived along the Catawba River are still rebuilding. Many though, believe the flooding that inundated their neighborhood didn't come from mother nature, but the way Duke Energy managed the dam upstream.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
What’s at stake when dam floodgates open during massive rainstorms
Channel 9′s Michelle Alfini got an inside look at one of the dams and explains what’s at stake when the energy company opens the floodgates.
www.wsoctv.com
March 27, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Six months after Hurricane Helene, dozens of Charlotte families who lived along the Catawba River are still rebuilding. Many though, believe the flooding that inundated their neighborhood didn't come from mother nature, but the way Duke Energy managed the dam upstream.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/b...
Sen. Newton sponsored several energy-related bills throughout his career, including the recent SB 261 which pulls back on North Carolina’s climate goals.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/n...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/n...
North Carolina Senate majority leader resigns, creating leadership vacancy
Republican Senate Majority Leader Paul Newton announced his resignation from the North Carolina Senate, effective Wednesday evening, creating a leadership vacancy as the Senate enters a busy legislati...
www.wsoctv.com
March 26, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Sen. Newton sponsored several energy-related bills throughout his career, including the recent SB 261 which pulls back on North Carolina’s climate goals.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/n...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/n...
Duke Energy files a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from the Town of Carrboro. The Town alleges Duke Energy helped launch a misinformation campaign about climate change while the utility's fossil fuel plants helped fuel warming. Duke Energy claims Carrboro has no standing. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
Duke Energy files to dismiss climate change lawsuit
Duke Energy filed a motion Monday to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges the utility contributed to and lied about climate change for decades.
www.wsoctv.com
March 18, 2025 at 8:08 PM
Duke Energy files a motion to dismiss a lawsuit from the Town of Carrboro. The Town alleges Duke Energy helped launch a misinformation campaign about climate change while the utility's fossil fuel plants helped fuel warming. Duke Energy claims Carrboro has no standing. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
UPDATE: The NC Senate will be taking up this bill in their 9:30 session this morning.
A bill that would roll back North Carolina's climate goals and make it easier for Duke Energy to pass power plant construction costs onto customers is moving quickly through the statehouse. It made through its second committee this morning.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
Legislation to alter NC climate goals progresses in state Senate
A bill that would roll back some of North Carolina’s climate goals is swiftly advancing through the state legislature.
www.wsoctv.com
March 13, 2025 at 10:45 AM
UPDATE: The NC Senate will be taking up this bill in their 9:30 session this morning.
A bill that would roll back North Carolina's climate goals and make it easier for Duke Energy to pass power plant construction costs onto customers is moving quickly through the statehouse. It made through its second committee this morning.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
Legislation to alter NC climate goals progresses in state Senate
A bill that would roll back some of North Carolina’s climate goals is swiftly advancing through the state legislature.
www.wsoctv.com
March 12, 2025 at 6:56 PM
A bill that would roll back North Carolina's climate goals and make it easier for Duke Energy to pass power plant construction costs onto customers is moving quickly through the statehouse. It made through its second committee this morning.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
“It should be supported by anybody who was worried about high energy prices and inflation before the elections, and unfortunately, it’s become sort of ensnared in this political struggle.”
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/m...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/m...
Money for NC programs up in the air amid battle over federal funding
A battle over federal spending has dozens of North Carolina programs caught in the crossfire.
www.wsoctv.com
February 19, 2025 at 7:18 PM
“It should be supported by anybody who was worried about high energy prices and inflation before the elections, and unfortunately, it’s become sort of ensnared in this political struggle.”
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/m...
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/m...
Just wanted to share this NYT article from 2023 on the rise in close calls in commercial aviation. The crashes are new. The warnings about FAA staffing shortages and errors falling through the cracks are not. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
Airline Close Calls Happen Far More Often Than Previously Known (Gift Article)
Near misses involving U.S. commercial airlines happen on average multiple times a week, a New York Times investigation found.
www.nytimes.com
February 18, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Just wanted to share this NYT article from 2023 on the rise in close calls in commercial aviation. The crashes are new. The warnings about FAA staffing shortages and errors falling through the cracks are not. www.nytimes.com/interactive/...
This story from @floodlightnews.org is a wild read. At first I wondered, what could they possibly mean "menacing federal inspectors" and well, if you give it a read, you'll certainly find out that's an apt description.
floodlightnews.org/co2-pipeline...
floodlightnews.org/co2-pipeline...
CO2 pipeline company draws $2.4M fine for menacing federal inspectors
Workers were manufacturing pipeline to replace a ruptured section of carbon dioxide line that sent 45 people to the hospital in Mississippi
floodlightnews.org
February 12, 2025 at 7:27 PM
This story from @floodlightnews.org is a wild read. At first I wondered, what could they possibly mean "menacing federal inspectors" and well, if you give it a read, you'll certainly find out that's an apt description.
floodlightnews.org/co2-pipeline...
floodlightnews.org/co2-pipeline...
In the years following the Inflation Reduction Act, the southeast, namely GA, SC and NC saw billions in investment from clean energy manufacturing companies hoping to set up shop. Now some of those businesses are pulling out. www.ajc.com/news/busines...
Freyr cancels $2.6B battery factory it promised to build in Georgia
Freyr Battery officials informed the Coweta County Development Authority late last month that the company will not move forward with its planned battery factory.
www.ajc.com
February 7, 2025 at 5:02 PM
In the years following the Inflation Reduction Act, the southeast, namely GA, SC and NC saw billions in investment from clean energy manufacturing companies hoping to set up shop. Now some of those businesses are pulling out. www.ajc.com/news/busines...
Despite efforts from the Trump administration to end the offshore wind industry Dominion says its CVOW project is 50% complete and on track to finish on schedule by the end of 2026. This would be the first offshore wind deployment in the southeast.
news.dominionenergy.com/press-releas...
news.dominionenergy.com/press-releas...
Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind (CVOW) Project, Part of Comprehensive “All of the Above” Energy Strategy to Affordably Meet Growing Energy Needs, Continues on Schedule, Cost Updated
No change to expected on-time project completion at end of 2026 Project achieving significant construction milestones including the successful installation of the first 16 transition pieces Updated pr...
news.dominionenergy.com
February 3, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Despite efforts from the Trump administration to end the offshore wind industry Dominion says its CVOW project is 50% complete and on track to finish on schedule by the end of 2026. This would be the first offshore wind deployment in the southeast.
news.dominionenergy.com/press-releas...
news.dominionenergy.com/press-releas...
What if I told you, there’s a way to fight climate change by taking wood from the southeast, shipping it across the ocean and burning it in Europe? Sound far-fetched?
I investigated that claim and explored the global and local impact of this growing industry.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/e...
I investigated that claim and explored the global and local impact of this growing industry.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/e...
Europe burns wood from Carolina forests as ‘renewable energy’ but how green is it?
Biomass is made up of densely concentrated wood pellets that are burned for electricity.
www.wsoctv.com
January 30, 2025 at 3:38 PM
What if I told you, there’s a way to fight climate change by taking wood from the southeast, shipping it across the ocean and burning it in Europe? Sound far-fetched?
I investigated that claim and explored the global and local impact of this growing industry.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/e...
I investigated that claim and explored the global and local impact of this growing industry.
www.wsoctv.com/news/local/e...
If you rely on Piedmont Natural Gas and your latest bill came as a shock, you’re not alone. Winter peaks combined with a rate increase and the pass through costs of high fuel prices mean many customers got hit with a triple whammy. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/p...
Piedmont Natural Gas customers say winter heating bills are giving sticker shock
She's worried about next month's bill
www.wsoctv.com
January 28, 2025 at 4:14 PM
If you rely on Piedmont Natural Gas and your latest bill came as a shock, you’re not alone. Winter peaks combined with a rate increase and the pass through costs of high fuel prices mean many customers got hit with a triple whammy. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/p...
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County had an ambitious plan to build this rail network with a 1% sales tax increase. Now, CATS says due to financial constraints related to getting state approval for that increase the plan will have to be significantly scaled back.
January 23, 2025 at 12:14 AM
Charlotte and Mecklenburg County had an ambitious plan to build this rail network with a 1% sales tax increase. Now, CATS says due to financial constraints related to getting state approval for that increase the plan will have to be significantly scaled back.
2024 was North Carolina's 2nd warmest year on record and between Helene, droughts and other major flooding events, the state saw its share of "weather whiplash." www.wsoctv.com/news/local/2...
In 2024, North Carolina saw 2nd warmest year and despite drought, Helene kept rainfall above average
2024 had slightly above average rainfall, but the climate office reports that is largely due to a few major rain events rather than steady rain throughout the year.
www.wsoctv.com
January 21, 2025 at 10:04 PM
2024 was North Carolina's 2nd warmest year on record and between Helene, droughts and other major flooding events, the state saw its share of "weather whiplash." www.wsoctv.com/news/local/2...
While we wait for data from attribution studies, scientists say it’s important to recognize the connection between climate change and the LA fires. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
LA fires have multiple causes, but scientists say climate change helped fuel them
In what California’s governor is saying may be the costliest disaster in U.S. history, the southern California wildfires have killed dozens, destroyed thousands of homes and forced tens of thousands t...
www.wsoctv.com
January 15, 2025 at 12:07 PM
While we wait for data from attribution studies, scientists say it’s important to recognize the connection between climate change and the LA fires. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/l...
The loud climate disinformation about the wildfires is disquieting to say they least. Scientists have been saying for years that the drier, hotter conditions in CA have been lengthening fire seasons and making the likelihood of intense fires more likely.
January 9, 2025 at 6:52 PM
The loud climate disinformation about the wildfires is disquieting to say they least. Scientists have been saying for years that the drier, hotter conditions in CA have been lengthening fire seasons and making the likelihood of intense fires more likely.
In a first of its kind lawsuit, the Town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy for both contributing to climate change and downplaying the impact of fossil fuels, despite evidence the utility knew about their harm since the 1960s. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/t...
Town of Carrboro sues Duke Energy for contributing to and lying about climate change
The suit claims the town is entitled to damages due to decades of inaction from Duke Energy.
www.wsoctv.com
December 5, 2024 at 1:41 AM
In a first of its kind lawsuit, the Town of Carrboro is suing Duke Energy for both contributing to climate change and downplaying the impact of fossil fuels, despite evidence the utility knew about their harm since the 1960s. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/t...
One of the oldest coal-fired plants in North Carolina is retiring at the end of the year, but work to excavate all the coal ash it's left behind will continue for another 14 years. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...
Duke Energy’s Coal-fired Allen Steam Plant retires at the end of the year
The Allen Steam Station will be demolished by the end of 2028.
www.wsoctv.com
November 22, 2024 at 11:49 AM
One of the oldest coal-fired plants in North Carolina is retiring at the end of the year, but work to excavate all the coal ash it's left behind will continue for another 14 years. www.wsoctv.com/news/local/d...