Latest news with #VanderVaart
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
NC Senate panel endorses van der Vaart for Utilities Commission slot
Donald van der Vaart addresses Senators during his confirmation hearing on May 14, 2025. (Photo: NCGA screengrab) The North Carolina Senate Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee voted Wednesday morning to confirm Donald van der Vaart as a member of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, forwarding the resolution to the Senate Select Committee on Nominations. Appointed by Republican Treasurer Brad Briner, van der Vaart previously served as North Carolina's environment secretary. He's a climate skeptic who was considered for EPA administrator during the first Trump administration. Van der Vaart began his state government career with two decades in the state's Division of Air Quality. Republican Gov. Pat McCrory promoted him to secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality in 2015, NC Newsline previously reported. His term on the Utilities Commission, if confirmed, would start July 1 of this year and expire on June 30, 2031. The Utilities Commission is an agency responsible for regulating the rates and services of all investor-owned public utilities in North Carolina. It's the oldest regulatory body in state government, according to its website. At Wednesday's meeting van der Vaart was asked a handful of mostly friendly questions. 'What specific strategies do you think you'll employ to ensure your decisions remain impartial, evidence-driven, and resistant to any undue influence from any of the stakeholder groups?' Sen. Buck Newton (R-Greene, Wayne, Wilson) asked. Van der Vaart said he would rely on the structure that's currently in place, which includes a 'capable' staff that works independently. 'I'm very much interested in using the transparency to the public to provide a forum where free discussions can be not only had, but also viewed,' he said. He's faced criticism in the past due to a potential conflict of interest with his wife's work. Van der Vaart served as the chief administrative judge on a DEQ dispute over the regulation of a toxic chemical in September. His wife Sandra is chair of the North Carolina Chamber Legal Institute, a prominent lobbying group opposed to PFAS regulation, the Port City Daily reported. Newton also asked Van der Vaart to share his thoughts on Senate Bill 261, which would eliminate the interim goal for Duke Energy to cut its carbon emissions by 2030. 'A lot of times, goals and mandates get conflated. Do you see this as a goal or some sort of a mandate?' asked Newton. Van der Vaart said the interim goal does provide the state with 'offramps' if things don't go as planned. 'I think if you look back a little bit into this, you'll see that some of the load predictions and the requirements that were anticipated in the past turned out to be somewhat inaccurate. Now the 2050 goal appears to be a mandate,' Van der Vaart responded. Critics of SB 261 have argued that not having an intermediate goal could make it harder to reach carbon neutrality by 2050. The bill was fast tracked through the Senate in March, but has yet to see action in the House this session. Sen. Jay Chaudhuri (D-Wake) joked that van der Vaart may hold the most degrees out of all nominees in front of the legislature: a bachelor's in chemistry from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University, a master's in chemical engineering from North Carolina State University, and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Cambridge. Chaudhuri also asked what van der Vaart thought was the most important role for the utilities commission. 'The most important role, despite the fact that we regulate a number of utility functions, is to deliver reliable and affordable energy within the confines that are mandated,' van der Vaart said. 'We need to work very hard to maintain the affordability of our electricity… If we didn't have a consumer advocacy function in North Carolina, then we would be ill served.' Asked about the rising demand for natural gas and pipeline capacity to meet industrial growth, Van der Vaart said this was an issue of critical importance in sustaining the electric grid. 'I think that one of my interests will be to determine and to convince myself that we have the kind of physical capacity and redundancy from a national security standpoint to be able to continue to deliver manufacturing support electricity and various other residential uses of natural gas reliably in the future.' Environmental groups and clean energy advocates have raised concerns about the build out of natural gas pipelines, amid worries about the impacts on water, air and habitats, and greenhouse gas emissions. Along with voting to confirm van der Vaart, the committee heard a resolution to approve Reid Wilson as the DEQ secretary, following appointment from Democratic Gov. Josh Stein. This portion was 'discussion only' and the panel did not take a vote. Wilson formerly served as secretary for the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources from 2021 to 2024. Before that, he was DNCR's chief deputy secretary from 2017 to 2020. He's been serving as DEQ secretary on an interim basis while awaiting confirmation. Clayton Henkel contributed to this report.
Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
N.C. Treasurer names conservative climate skeptic to state Utilities Commission
Image: NC Utilities Commission - This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. Donald van der Vaart—the state's former environment secretary and a climate skeptic who was shortlisted for EPA administrator during the first Trump administration—has been appointed to the North Carolina Utilities Commission by Republican Treasurer Brad Briner. Van der Vaart started his career in state government as a 20-year employee in the Division of Air Quality and was promoted to secretary of the Department of Environmental Quality by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory in 2015. He was a proponent of offshore drilling and fracking. The Utilities Commission regulates the rates and services of utilities like Duke Energy and companies that provide gas, electricity and drinking water. In that role, the commission oversees the state's transition to renewable energy and is also responsible for ensuring the safety of natural gas pipelines. 'North Carolinians need a strong voice on the North Carolina Utilities Commission,' Briner said in a press release. 'Don provides that voice, and his expertise and leadership will ensure that the citizens of North Carolina have access to low-cost, reliable energy.' The appointment still must be approved by the state House and Senate. Many environmental advocates oppose the appointment. Dan Crawford, director of government relations for the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, called van der Vaart's appointment 'short sighted and a violation of the public trust. This appointment flies in the face of science and clean energy progress. It's like letting an arsonist guard the fire station.' Van der Vaart would earn roughly $150,000 as a utilities commissioner. 'I am deeply honored by Treasurer Briner's confidence in me,' van der Vaart said in the press release. 'I look forward to working to ensure that North Carolina's energy future remains reliable, affordable, and ever cleaner—safeguarding both our prosperity and our environment.' The treasurer did not have appointment power to the Utilities Commission until December, when the state legislature passed Senate Bill 382. The measure was ostensibly a disaster relief bill for communities devastated by Hurricane Helene, but also contained unrelated provisions that conservative lawmakers favored. Then-Gov. Roy Cooper, a Democrat, vetoed the bill, but the Republican-controlled legislature overrode it. Before SB 382, the governor appointed the majority of the Utilities Commission—three seats. After the bill became law, one of those appointments went to the state treasurer. The bill also shrunk the membership from seven to five, starting in July: two appointments by the governor, one by the state treasurer and one each to the House and Senate leadership. The treasurer and legislative leaders are all Republicans, meaning the GOP will have control of the new five-member commission. Earlier this month Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat elected in November, petitioned a Wake County court for a temporary restraining order to thwart the treasurer's appointment power, arguing it violates the state Constitution. The filing names House Speaker Destin Hall and Senate President Pro Temp Phil Berger as defendants. A spokesperson for the governor's office told Inside Climate News that 'the parties are currently trying to work out a briefing schedule to get this dispute resolved as expeditiously as possible so that the Governor can continue the work that voters elected him to do.' When Cooper was elected governor in 2016, van der Vaart could have lost his job as a political appointee. Instead, van der Vaart used his statutory authority to demote himself to a middle management position in the Division of Air Quality. He held that post for a year until he co-authored a lengthy opinion piece in a national environmental law journal calling for the elimination of a key air quality rule, an opinion that contradicted the stance of the agency. Shortly after then-DEQ Secretary Michael Regan placed van der Vaart on administrative leave, he resigned. When Donald Trump won election in 2016, van der Vaart wrote him a congratulatory letter that earned him consideration for EPA administrator. In part, the letter read: 'We must put an end to the idea that more regulation is always good, and instead allow state and local experts to improve the environment.' The top EPA post went instead to Scott Pruitt, who named van der Vaart to the EPA's Science Advisory Board. In a 2018 opinion piece for The Hill, van der Vaart wrote that some environmental groups were 'serving as proxies for the Russians,' and to protect the environment Trump should investigate those allegations. Van der Vaart returned to state government in 2019 when Berger, the State Senate leader, appointed him to the Environmental Management Commission. The EMC makes environmental rules that DEQ must follow. His ascent continued when the chief justice of the state Supreme Court named him the chief administrative law judge for the Office of Administrative Hearings. The quasi-judicial agency presides over contested cases of administrative law. He has commonly assigned himself cases involving DEQ and has often ruled against the agency. If van der Vaart joins the Utilities Commission, he would resign his judgeship.
CNN
24-03-2025
- Sport
- CNN
Teenager Lamine Yamal scores wonder goal, misses penalty and mocks pundit in dramatic Spain win
Lamine Yamal added another clip to his growing highlight reel after scoring a sensational goal during Spain's penalty shootout win against the Netherlands in the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals on Sunday. The 17-year-old's curling effort in extra-time helped Spain reach the semifinals of the tournament, although the reigning European champion needed penalties to get past a resilient Dutch side. Despite his brilliance, Yamal saw his weak penalty saved in the shootout during what was a rollercoaster performance in Valencia. Fortunately for the teenager, the Oranje missed two of their attempts as Spain celebrated a dramatic win. Both teams came into the quarterfinal second leg tied, after playing out a 2-2 draw last week. La Roja took the lead twice in regular time on Sunday through Mikel Oyarzabal but the Dutch hit back both times, first by Memphis Depay and then by Ian Maatsen. Spain then took the lead again in extra-time through Yamal's memorable goal in the 103rd-minute. The Barcelona sensation controlled a wonderful pass from Dean Huijsen with the outside of his boot before cutting inside a defender and unleashing a whipped effort which rocketed into the far-corner of the goal. It comes amid a record-breaking season for Yamal where he has scored several incredible goals. However, Spain was pegged back again by Xavi Simons who forced the semifinal into a penalty shootout after converting a spotkick in the 109th minute. Spain goalkeeper Unai Simón was the hero in the end, with the keeper saving Donyell Malen's attempt before Barcelona midfielder Pedri secured the win for the host. But the night wasn't over for Yamal who had some choice words for former Dutch international and current pundit Rafael van der Vaart. After the first leg, Van der Vaart had criticized the teenager's performance and reportedly mentioned that he wore his shorts too low during the match. Yamal clearly saw the comments and wanted to reply in his own way after helping Spain progress into the last four. 'Pants down, a goal, missed penalty AND IN THE SEMIFINALS HEHEHEHE GO SPAIN!' Yamal posted on Instagram after the game, alongside a gallery of photos which included one of Van der Vaart. La Roja now faces France in the Nations League semifinals on June 5 after Les Bleus won their own dramatic penalty shootout over Croatia. It was a similar story for Cristiano Ronaldo elsewhere in the Nations League, after the veteran striker helped Portugal beat Denmark 5-3 on aggregate in the quarterfinals. Denmark held a 1-0 lead heading into the second leg, but Portugal won the return fixture 5-2, needing two goals in extra-time to get the job done. Like Yamal, Ronaldo had missed a penalty during regular time, with his weak effort easily saved by goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel. But the five-time Ballon d'Or winner made amends, leveling the aggregate score in the 72nd minute from a tight angle. Goals from Francisco Trincão and Gonçalo Ramos in extra-time then settled the contest, as the Seleção now faces Germany in the other semifinal.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Yamal hits back at ex-Netherlands player Van der Vaart after Spain's Nations League win
MADRID (AP) — Lamine Yamal has made it clear he wasn't happy with criticism from former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart. Yamal helped Spain get past the Dutch in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on Sunday. After the penalty shootout, the 17-year-old Yamal lowered his shorts just below the waist, directly addressing Van der Vaart's reported comments as a Dutch television pundit that he was bothered by the Spanish teenager's attitude last week during the 2-2 draw in the first leg in the Netherlands. Van der Vaart was quoted by Spanish media as saying that Yamal didn't seem motivated, noting he was playing with his shorts lowered and with gestures that showed indifference. He said Yamal was handily defeated in his duel with Dutch left back Jorrel Hato in that first leg. Yamal's teammate, Nico Williams, also lowered his shorts alongside Yamal after the shootout win in Valencia. On Instagram, Yamal posted the photo of him and Williams with shorts lowered and a couple of images of Van der Vaart. Beside laughing emojis, he wrote, 'Shorts down, one goal, one missed penalty, and into the semifinals.' The post included images of Yamal playing and celebrating with his Spain teammates. Yamal scored in extra time of the 3-3 draw, then suffered Spain's lone penalty miss in a shootout won 5-4. Yamal's Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres was among those commenting on Yamal's Instagram post to support him. Van der Vaart played for Barcelona rival Real Madrid from 2008-10, and made more than 100 appearances with the Netherlands in the 2000s. Spain, the defending European champion, is trying to win its second straight Nations League title. ___ AP soccer:
Associated Press
24-03-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Yamal hits back at ex-Netherlands player Van der Vaart after Spain's Nations League win
MADRID (AP) — Lamine Yamal has made it clear he wasn't happy with criticism from former Netherlands player Rafael van der Vaart. Yamal helped Spain get past the Dutch in the quarterfinals of the Nations League on Sunday. After the penalty shootout, the 17-year-old Yamal lowered his shorts just below the waist, directly addressing Van der Vaart's reported comments as a Dutch television pundit that he was bothered by the Spanish teenager's attitude last week during the 2-2 draw in the first leg in the Netherlands. Van der Vaart was quoted by Spanish media as saying that Yamal didn't seem motivated, noting he was playing with his shorts lowered and with gestures that showed indifference. He said Yamal was handily defeated in his duel with Dutch left back Jorrel Hato in that first leg. Yamal's teammate, Nico Williams, also lowered his shorts alongside Yamal after the shootout win in Valencia. On Instagram, Yamal posted the photo of him and Williams with shorts lowered and a couple of images of Van der Vaart. Beside laughing emojis, he wrote, 'Shorts down, one goal, one missed penalty, and into the semifinals.' The post included images of Yamal playing and celebrating with his Spain teammates. Yamal scored in extra time of the 3-3 draw, then suffered Spain's lone penalty miss in a shootout won 5-4. Yamal's Barcelona teammate Ferran Torres was among those commenting on Yamal's Instagram post to support him. Van der Vaart played for Barcelona rival Real Madrid from 2008-10, and made more than 100 appearances with the Netherlands in the 2000s. Spain, the defending European champion, is trying to win its second straight Nations League title. ___
