WHEREAS, the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan has been placed into effect (Executive Order 2001-24) due to the severe damage that was experienced at the World Trade Center in New York and the Pentagon in Washington due to what appears to be acts of terrorism; and

WHEREAS, Sections 1-3-410 through 1-3-460 of the South Carolina Code of Laws, as well as Section 25-1-440, confer upon the Governor extraordinary powers to take measures necessary to maintain peace and order; and

WHEREAS, there is a danger that certain persons in South Carolina will charge prices for gasoline and other essentials far in excess of that normally charged which results in people, particularly lower income persons, from being able to purchase necessities, threatens the well-being of the population, tends to cause a breach of the peace, and endangers the peace and good order threatened by the recent terrorists' acts in this country.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and the laws of South Carolina, I do hereby direct and compel that no person may overcharge for food, fuel, shelter, items used for the protection of life or property, clothing and other living essentials in the State of South Carolina.

For purpose of this Executive Order "overcharging" shall be defined as charging for goods or services rendered which are substantially in excess of reasonable and customary charges in this state or in applicable cases substantially in excess of the person's costs for such goods or services, unless there is good cause for the bills or requests containing the charges or costs.

Violation of this Executive Order shall submit the person making the charges liable for the criminal penalties specified in S. C. Code Section 16-7-10.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 12th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2001.

JIM HODGES
GOVERNOR

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 7, 2009 at 10:33 A.M.