NC H619

Prohibits electric public utilities operating coal-fired generating units in North Carolina from purchasing or using coal extracted by mountaintop removal mining, effective January 1, 2016.

Requires coal providers to submit sworn statements confirming coal was not extracted using mountaintop removal methods, and utilities must file monthly cost reports and annual compliance documentation with the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

Imposes penalties on utilities violating the mountaintop removal prohibition, including denial of fuel cost recovery and potential cancellation or suspension of certificates of convenience and necessity for failure to file required reports.

Establishes a moratorium on issuing new certificates for coal-fired power plant construction filed on or after July 1, 2015, unless the unit is carbon neutral.

Suspends existing certificates for coal-fired units that have not commenced operations by July 1, 2015, until July 1, 2020, unless the unit is carbon neutral; utilities attempting to continue construction in violation face permanent suspension and denial of cost recovery.