What is the issue?
Dealing with the threat of climate change while responsibly meeting future energy needs is a global challenge. But South Carolina’s role cannot be ignored. Our citizens consume electricity and gasoline at rates well above the national average, leading to some of the highest levels of global warming pollution per person in the world. Trends like these are a troubling reminder that South Carolina lacks an energy and climate change policy. Our state’s leaders must prioritize creation of a comprehensive and pragmatic vision for The Palmetto State’s future.
How would it affect South Carolina?
A South Carolina energy and climate policy can help ensure long-term economic competitiveness for our state by reducing polluting fuel imports, limiting energy expenses, and protecting South Carolina’s unique natural resources. Such a policy can help develop under-utilized home-grown resources like energy efficiency and renewable energy, which reduce pollution while generating tens of thousands of high-quality jobs. By taking a leadership role on these issues, South Carolina can attract new industries and spur clean energy entrepreneurship throughout the state.
What can you do about it?
No single technology or policy can, on its own, successfully address the climate and energy challenge we face in the Palmetto State. That is why a comprehensive approach is needed. The recently completed work of the South Carolina Climate, Energy and Commerce Advisory Committee provides a detailed picture of the costs and benefits of over 50 diverse actions our state could take to seize control of its future. It is a roadmap our state’s policy makers must use to drive our state forward in the 21st century.
- A clear and diversified approach to energy and climate challenges will promote the state’s economic competitiveness over the long term.
- The state’s pollution levels will come down dramatically, improving health and the quality of natural resources across the state.
- South Carolina will develop its domestic energy resources, keeping energy dollars in the state and fostering job growth.
- South Carolina’s approach to energy will remain unplanned, leaving the state unprepared to meet challenges or capitalize on opportunities in the future.
- The state’s greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of pollution will continue to rise faster than the national average, putting our natural resources and our health at risk.
- We will remain dependent on other states and hostile foreign nations to meet our basic energy needs.
