A proposed lithium mining and processing operation about 30 miles west of Charlotte in Gaston County got a chilly reception from a majority of Gaston County commissioners Tuesday night. That came amid concerns about potential environmental damage, traffic and — until now — a lack of information.

Heavy industries such as steelmaking are the third-largest source of pollution that contributes to global warming and climate change, according to the EPA. Charlotte-based Nucor Corp. is pledging to cut greenhouse gas emissions at its steel plants.

Piedmont Lithium, a company planning to mine and process lithium in Gaston County, will make its first public presentation about the project Tuesday night to the Gaston County Commission. The proposed operation has been in the works for five years, but now is facing opposition.

The future of North Carolina's energy system has been up for debate this week as state leaders discuss the best way to shift away from fossil fuels — and how fast to do it. With global temperatures rising and weather patterns changing, the question is an important one not just for North Carolina, but for the planet. But there's lots of disagreement. WFAE climate reporter David Boraks joins "All Things Considered" host Gwendolyn Glenn to talk about this week's legislative and administrative actions and what they could mean for the state's energy business.

A Republican-backed energy reform bill that passed the North Carolina House of Representatives early Thursday is facing opposition from the governor, environmentalists and some businesses.