A little late on this one, but ...
Attorney General Roy Cooper's office reported Monday that the state is one of 14 that reached an agreement with the federal government to set new standards for appliances that conserve.
The U.S. Department of Energy will create new standards for more energy-efficient ovens, water heaters, air conditioners and other appliances, as part of a settlement of a federal lawsuit filed by 14 states, New York City and public-interest groups.
"Consumers don't need power hungry appliances adding to their energy bills," Cooper said in a news release. "This is a smart settlement that will save money and help the environment."