A joint Resolution

 

TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF NATURAL GAS, LIQUID NATURAL GAS, PROPANE, AND BUTANE AS ELECTRIC GENERATION RESOURCES AND TO DEEM THESE RESOURCES AS "GREEN ENERGY" RESOURCES, AND TO ENCOURAGE INTERESTED PARTIES TO IDENTIFY AND IMPLEMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR the USE OF THESE RESOURCES FOR ELECTRIC GENERATION, AND TO REQUIRE STATE GOVERNMENT ENTITIES TO INCORPORATE THESE RESOURCES TO THE MAXIMUM EXTENT POSSIBLE.

 

Whereas, South Carolina has made great strides in economic development, with a record-breaking year in 2022, ushering in $10.27 billion in total capital investment, which represents 120 projects and the creation of 14,083 jobs; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina's population has steadily increased in recent years and is likely to continue to increase in the foreseeable future; and

 

Whereas, this State is poised to continue economic expansion and population growth, and growth of this magnitude necessitates the appropriate infrastructure; and

 

Whereas, reliable, safe, and affordable electricity is a critical infrastructure component for the residents and businesses in this State, and is also an important factor for future economic development; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina has traditionally relied on coal as a key source of electricity generation; and

 

Whereas, electric utilities in this State must address the retirement of their aging coal-fueled electric generation facilities, which will reduce current electricity generation resources, while simultaneously planning to meet increased electricity demand with currently available resources and technologies; and

 

Whereas, the U.S. Energy Information Administration states, in part, that burning natural gas for energy results in fewer air pollution emissions than burning coal or petroleum products, and further provides that natural gas is an efficient, clean-burning, and economical energy resource; and

 

Whereas, the General Assembly encourages the use of natural gas as an electric generation resource as electric utilities seek to diversify their respective generation portfolios as they transition away from coal plants while still meeting the energy demands of this State in a reliable, safe, and affordable manner; and

 

Whereas, propane and butane are materials that can be obtained during the processing of natural gas; and

 

Whereas, the U.S. Department of Energy provides that propane is an alternative transportation fuel, and the interest in this type of fuel "stems from its domestic availability, high-energy density, clean-burning qualities, and relatively low cost". Now, therefore,

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  The General Assembly encourages the use of natural gas, liquid natural gas, propane, and butane as electric generation resources and hereby deems natural gas, liquid natural gas, propane, and butane to be "green energy" resources. The General Assembly also encourages interested parties to identify and implement opportunities for the use of these green energy resources for the generation of electricity, furthering economic development in our State, and for other appropriate uses. In addition, all state government entities must incorporate these green energy resources into their respective operations to the maximum extent possible.

 

SECTION 2.  This joint resolution takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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