S.C. Energy Bill Right Move for the Future
By Hank McCullough
Chair, Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition
South Carolina is at a pivotal moment, grappling with surging energy demands and looming shortages due to record-breaking economic development and population growth. As Chair of Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition, a group of over 100 stakeholders in the natural gas sector and allies, I commend the South Carolina House for passing the "South Carolina Ten-Year Energy Transformation Act" (H.5118) with strong bipartisan support this week. This legislation is crucial for our state’s energy future, and I applaud the dedication and hard work of our lawmakers in crafting it.
H.5118 rightly recognizes natural gas as a critical component of our energy landscape, essential for industrial growth, power generation, and residential use. Natural gas stands out as the best solution for addressing these immediate and long-term energy needs. It offers an affordable, safe, reliable, and cleaner source of energy to replace existing coal for power generation. Furthermore, natural gas plays a critical role in supporting economic development and providing direct energy for homes and businesses.
The demand for consistent, around-the-clock energy is increasing as South Carolina grows, and natural gas meets this need while ensuring the reliability of our electricity generation and adapting to fluctuating demands. Additionally, natural gas complements renewable energy sources by providing a stable backup that can adjust quickly to the variable nature of wind and solar power. This adaptability is crucial for integrating more renewables into our energy mix and moving South Carolina towards a cleaner energy future.
We commend legislators for including provisions in H.5118 that facilitate the expansion of natural gas and its infrastructure by removing existing barriers. These provisions are designed to make a clear and timely permitting process for new energy infrastructure, ensuring efficient development while also safeguarding the environment and private property rights—a critical balance for our state's future.
While the bill positions natural gas as a cornerstone of South Carolina’s energy strategy, we are pleased it also champions an "all of the above" approach, incorporating renewables and emerging technologies, which our Coalition fully supports. Embracing this comprehensive approach is essential for fostering a resilient and sustainable energy landscape in South Carolina.
As the bill moves to the Senate, the urgency to address our state's energy needs is clear, and this legislation is a significant step towards ensuring a secure energy future for South Carolina. Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition stands ready to support this legislative effort, valuing the legislature's commitment to thoughtful energy policy that supports the economic prosperity of all South Carolinians. We are committed to the continued advancement of H.5118, recognizing it as a critical measure for securing a reliable, affordable, and cleaner energy future for our state.