North Carolina Treasurer Appoints Climate Skeptic to State Utilities Commission: What This Means for Energy Policy

Donald van der Vaart, who once held the position of environment secretary in North Carolina, has been appointed to the North Carolina Utilities Commission by Republican Treasurer Brad Briner. A climate skeptic, van der Vaart was previously on the shortlist for EPA administrator during the early days of the Trump administration.

In his career, van der Vaart has spent two decades working in state government, notably in the Division of Air Quality. In 2015, he was promoted to secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality by then-Gov. Pat McCrory. He has voiced support for controversial practices like offshore drilling and fracking.

The Utilities Commission plays a vital role in regulating utility companies, such as Duke Energy, which provide gas, electricity, and drinking water in the state. This commission also oversees North Carolina’s shift to renewable energy while ensuring the safety of natural gas pipelines.

Briner emphasized the need for strong leadership in the commission, stating that van der Vaart’s experience will help ensure reliable and affordable energy for North Carolinians. However, his appointment still awaits approval from the state House and Senate.

Environmental advocates have raised concerns about van der Vaart’s suitability for the role. Dan Crawford, with the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, argued that appointing him is a betrayal of public trust and disregards scientific progress in clean energy, likening it to letting an arsonist guard a fire station.

If confirmed as a utilities commissioner, van der Vaart will earn around $150,000 annually. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work on making North Carolina’s energy future more reliable and cleaner.

It’s important to note that Briner’s authority to make this appointment is relatively new. The state legislature passed Senate Bill 382 in December, allowing the state treasurer to appoint a member to the Utilities Commission. This bill, initially presented as a disaster relief measure, also included provisions that favored conservative lawmakers. Although Gov. Roy Cooper vetoed it, the Republican-controlled legislature overrode the veto.

This change in authority has shifted the balance of power within the commission. The previous structure allowed the governor to appoint a majority of its members. Under the new law, the commission’s size decreases from seven to five, with appointments divided between the governor, the treasurer, and legislative leaders—most of whom are Republicans. This shift means greater GOP influence over utility regulation.

Facing pushback, Gov. Josh Stein filed a petition against this new appointment power, arguing it violates the state constitution. The dispute is currently under discussion to reach a resolution quickly.

Van der Vaart’s history in government has been controversial. Following his resignation from the DEQ, he wrote a letter to Trump, advocating a reduced regulatory approach to environmental issues. He even expressed concerns that some environmental organizations might be acting on behalf of foreign interests, a statement that sparked considerable discussion.

Interestingly, van der Vaart’s career trajectory showcases the shifting dynamics of environmental policy in the U.S. Experts in the field have noted that appointments like his reflect a broader trend where political considerations often outweigh scientific evidence in energy governance. As the debate over energy continues to unfold, van der Vaart’s position will likely influence North Carolina’s energy policies moving forward.

For more in-depth insights into North Carolina’s energy landscape, check out this report by the North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association: NC Clean Energy Economy.

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