About Energy & Climate

South Carolina is now undertaking the challenge of planning for our future energy needs in the face of a changing climate. The health of our citizens, our economy, and our natural resources depend on a comprehensive approach to energy. We can no longer rely on fossil fuels to provide the bulk of our energy supply.

South Carolina has more at stake than most other states. Increased storm activity and rising sea levels are just a couple of the threats climate change poses for our state.

Federal regulations to cap carbon emissions are expected in the near future and the cost of coal fired power generation could increase significantly as a result. In conjunction with the negative impacts coal has on public health and the environment, there is a need for this state to invest in cleaner forms of energy to power our future.

Fortunately, South Carolina is well poised to take advantage the new energy economy. Our state is among the least efficient in the nation when it comes to energy use and there is ample room for improvement. Aggressive energy efficiency measures can significantly reduce future demand for energy while providing a plethora of investment opportunity within local economies.

South Carolina is also well positioned to take advantage of home-grown, renewable energy. Our state’s offshore wind potential is immense as it pertains to both energy production and economic development. We also have opportunities to expand energy production in the arena of biomass, waste to energy facilities, and solar.

We believe that South Carolina’s energy and climate policy should objectively assess the prospects for conservation and new production and then vigorously support those that offer the greatest benefits through incentives, public investment, and thoughtful regulation. This is the challenge of our new century. It will be a great testament to the insight and integrity of this generation if we can deliver a stable climate and energy independence to our successors.