North Carolina's power transfers have reshaped the state, giving Republicans greater control over various aspects of governance. The changes have had a profound impact on democracy in North Carolina, with Democrats arguing that they are undermining environmental protections and election administration.
The shifts in power have resulted in Republican lawmakers siphoning off some powers traditionally held by the governor, including the appointment of members to key commissions and boards. These moves have been defended as reflecting the will of voters but have also raised concerns about partisan meddling.
One notable example is the Environmental Management Commission, where Republican legislators passed a law shifting the power to appoint majority members from the governor to themselves and the state's commissioner of agriculture. This change has stymied efforts by the Department of Environmental Quality to regulate a potentially harmful chemical in drinking water, according to advocates.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission, which regulates public utilities, has also seen changes due to these power transfers. A trial court ruled that the governor's power to appoint a majority of commission members had been removed, transferring it to legislative leaders and the state treasurer, who is a Republican. This change allowed Duke Energy to raise rates by 15% without the governor's approval.
Furthermore, Republicans have gained control over the University of North Carolina System, which comprises 17 institutions and over 250,000 students. The legislature has eliminated the governor's ability to make university trustee appointments, giving them greater control over the system.
The impact of these changes is far-reaching, with Democrats warning that they will ultimately hurt the state's economy and reputation. Republicans, on the other hand, claim that their moves are reversing a leftward drift in the UNC schools' culture.
The shifts in power have resulted in Republican lawmakers siphoning off some powers traditionally held by the governor, including the appointment of members to key commissions and boards. These moves have been defended as reflecting the will of voters but have also raised concerns about partisan meddling.
One notable example is the Environmental Management Commission, where Republican legislators passed a law shifting the power to appoint majority members from the governor to themselves and the state's commissioner of agriculture. This change has stymied efforts by the Department of Environmental Quality to regulate a potentially harmful chemical in drinking water, according to advocates.
The North Carolina Utilities Commission, which regulates public utilities, has also seen changes due to these power transfers. A trial court ruled that the governor's power to appoint a majority of commission members had been removed, transferring it to legislative leaders and the state treasurer, who is a Republican. This change allowed Duke Energy to raise rates by 15% without the governor's approval.
Furthermore, Republicans have gained control over the University of North Carolina System, which comprises 17 institutions and over 250,000 students. The legislature has eliminated the governor's ability to make university trustee appointments, giving them greater control over the system.
The impact of these changes is far-reaching, with Democrats warning that they will ultimately hurt the state's economy and reputation. Republicans, on the other hand, claim that their moves are reversing a leftward drift in the UNC schools' culture.
They say it's about reflecting voter intent, but is it really? It just seems like they're playing politics with the environment and our water supply 
. And what's the deal with Duke Energy getting a free pass to raise rates by 15%? Doesn't that stink of cronyism? 
The fact that Republicans are trying to micromanage everything from the Environmental Management Commission to university trustee appointments just seems like a recipe for disaster... 
I mean, can't we just have some common-sense governance here? 
... seems like these power transfers are gonna make it super hard for Democrats to get things done and protect the environment and stuff. I mean, I get that Republicans think they have the mandate of voters, but all this partisan meddling is just gonna stifle progress and hurt the state's economy in the long run 
... I'm not sure if Republicans are really gonna fix the leftward drift at UNC schools, either – I think it's just a way to consolidate their power and make the system more beholden to them 
. What do you guys think?
The recent power transfer in North Carolina is a prime example of how changes in governance can have far-reaching consequences on the state's institutions and policies. 
[A screenshot of the Environmental Management Commission's report on drinking water contamination, with a red "X" marked through it] 
Environmental protections and election admin being suffocated by partisan politics 
Duke Energy can raise rates w/ impunity?