WHEREAS, on September 11, 2001, in response to terrorist attacks against the United States, I issued Executive Order 2001-24 directing the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan be placed into effect, that the State Emergency Operations Center be activated, and that the Adjutant General place up to 50 certain critical need personnel of the South Carolina National Guard on state active duty and place the remainder of the South Carolina National Guard on standby; and

WHEREAS, while the State of South Carolina must remain at a heightened state of readiness and begin taking permanent measures to better protect against threats and acts of terrorism, there is no existing emergency requiring the continued implementation of the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan or activation of the South Carolina Emergency Operations Plan; and

WHEREAS, on or about 12:00 a.m. midnight, Friday, September 14, 2001, critical need personnel of the South Carolina National Guard placed on state active duty by the Adjutant General pursuant to Executive Order 2001-24 will be transferred to federal active duty status; and

WHEREAS, on September 12, 2001, pursuant to my emergency powers and in response to price gouging reports from some regions of the country and the danger that some persons in South Carolina may overcharge for gasoline and other essentials, I issued Executive Order 2001-26 prohibiting overcharging and instructed SLED to investigate any allegations of price gouging for possible criminal prosecution under South Carolina Code Section 16-7-10; and

WHEREAS, concern still remains that unjustified prices may be charged to consumers for gasoline and other essential items.

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me as Governor, pursuant to the Constitution and Laws of the State of South Carolina, I hereby declare that Executive Order 2001-24 is cancelled, rescinded, and from this date declared null and void, except that the critical need personnel placed on state active duty pursuant to Executive Order 2001-24 be on state active duty status until 12:00 a.m. midnight, Friday, September 14, 2001, or until they are transferred to federal active duty status, whichever is later.

I further direct that the Adjutant General maintain the South Carolina National Guard on standby for so long time as the present federal state of emergency exists.

I further direct that Executive Order 2001-26 is cancelled, rescinded, and from this date null and void; however, the Consumer Advocate is directed to continue to investigate and report any findings of overcharging as provided by law.

GIVEN UNDER MY HAND AND THE GREAT SEAL OF THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, THIS 13th DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2001.

JIM HODGES
GOVERNOR

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