Barely three years have passed since the state overhauled its energy policy to require electric utilities to meet energy demand through renewable resources and energy efficiency programs.

Now a legislative proposal introduced Wednesday would scrap the 2007 energy law, known as Senate Bill 3, or SB3. Republican state Rep. George Cleveland's bill calls for the immediate repeal of Senate Bill 3, which requires power companies to meet 12.5 percent of customer electricity demand through renewables and conservation by 2021.

Cleveland, a retired U.S. Marine who represents Onslow County, could not be reached for comment this week.

But the idea originates from the conservative John Locke Foundation. The Raleigh nonprofit says SB3 artificially drives up electricity prices and panders to environmental extremists.