McConnell calls for comprehensive energy plan
Sen. Alexander says panel will begin analysis before the week is out and will meet the goal for recommendations before year’s end
As America’s attention shifts to future energy needs, state Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell has called for immediate plans for South Carolina.
McConnell wrote a four-page letter to the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee that outlined the challenges facing South Carolina and the need for a comprehensive analysis.
“While the onset of $4 per gallon gasoline and double-digit increases in wholesale power costs caused by skyrocketing coal prices have moved ‘energy’ to the front and center in the public’s mind, the challenge for our state is truly a long-term one,” wrote McConnell, R-Charleston. “Most likely, it will be one of the single greatest factors affecting our state’s economy and quality of life.”
He said several outside factors must be considered — future congressional standards on carbon emissions, the price of raw materials and commodities and the country’s economic slowdown.
“At some point in the very near future, congressional votes will be tallied and a list of winners and losers will emerge,” McConnell wrote. “I believe it is crucial that prior to that vote, South Carolinians have the benefit of a focused discussion, not debate, of what policy will put our state among the list of winners — as to energy supply and environmental stewardship.”
Walhalla Republican Sen. Thomas Alexander, chairman of the review committee, said the panel will begin work within the week. He said they will meet the goal for recommendations to be ready before the end of the year.
“It’s a very vigorous and aggressive time schedule. I am ready to roll up my sleeves, and I know my colleagues on the review committee will be, too,” Alexander said.
House Speaker Bobby Harrell, R-Charleston, said McConnell is on target, and Harrell pledged his support for the development of a centralized plan for South Carolina.
“We are sending $700 billion a year overseas to people who hate us and giving them the money they need to do bad things,” Harrell said. “That, if for no other reason, should be reason enough for us to figure out how to make our country energy independent.”
Harrell highlighted several ongoing research projects into alternative energy sources within the state, including hydrogen and fuel cell research at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.
Meanwhile, approval is being sought for four nuclear power plants in the state as well as for two new coal plants, said John Clark, director of the state Energy Office. It will take a mixture of both those means, as well as efficiency standards and renewable resources, to meet the state’s demand going into the future, he said.
“South Carolina is growing so fast and our energy needs are growing so fast that even if we do more with renewable resources and efficiency we will still need more,” Clark said. “We can’t just wish the problem away.”
In 2008, South Carolina’s total energy consumption is projected to be made up of 29 percent petroleum, 10 percent natural gas, 26 percent coal, 28 percent nuclear, 0.8 percent hydro and a combined 5 percent for wood, solar, geothermal and other sources, according to the Energy Office. The other 1.2 percent was not designated.
By Yvonne Wenger
The Post and Courier
September 15, 2008
