Carolina Journal News Reports
CJ Series

North Carolina vs. TVA

Investigations by Carolina Journal reveal inappropriate reimbursements to third-party lawyers and possible pressure applied by the attorney general's office on the state's air quality division.

(2.07.11) Cooper Appeals TVA Suit to U.S. Supreme Court
RALEIGH — In filings submitted last week, Attorney General Roy Cooper asked the nation’s highest court to review a ruling by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year that upended North Carolina’s case against the multistate utility.

(7.28.10) Despite Millions Invested, Cooper Loses TVA Appeal
RALEIGH — In a single stroke Monday, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a federal district court decision, leaving the future of Attorney General Roy Cooper’s pollution-control lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority in doubt.

(11.17.09) Beer, Snacks for AG’s Hired Lawyers Challenged
RALEIGH — Beer and snacks were on the agenda at a recent meeting of the North Carolina Council of State — and they had one executive-branch officer fuming. Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry, one of two Republicans on the council, objected to past reimbursements for two private law firms assisting Cooper with his lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority.

(7.21.09) DAQ Scrapped Report After Meeting With AG Lawyers
RALEIGH — The N.C. Division of Air Quality scrapped a pollution report days after lawyers working for Attorney General Roy Cooper expressed concerns that its findings might lead to unwanted questions about the state’s lawsuit against the Tennessee Valley Authority.

(7.02.09) Law Firm Racked Up Hotel, Airline Fees
RALEIGH — Attorney General Roy Cooper used North Carolina gas-tax revenue to reimburse Washington lawyers thousands of dollars in unnecessary hotel and airline fees, according to receipts and travel records obtained by Carolina Journal.

(3.30.09) Lawyers Spent Gas-Tax Funds on Beer and Candy
RALEIGH — Washington lawyers assisting Attorney General Roy Cooper in his suit against the Tennessee Valley Authority used North Carolina gas-tax revenue to purchase alcohol, candy, airline flight upgrades, and valet parking, an investigation by Carolina Journal reveals.