SC - Commentary: Federal permitting reform would strengthen SC’s clean energy efforts (with wind news compilation)
South Carolina’s growing clean energy economy continues to make news. Following years of jobs and economic development announcements, our state is supplying the world with local products that are critical to expanding clean energy.
Our success is thanks to the hard work of entrepreneurs, risk-takers and public policymakers.
As a member of the Legislature’s Energy Caucus, I have found it rewarding to work with elected officials across the state to advance critical energy policies that will generate more state jobs, strengthen our national security and create prosperity.
Last year’s passage of H.4831 — legislation I sponsored directing the S.C. Department of Commerce to study the economic impact of the offshore wind manufacturing supply chain — sent a clear message that state lawmakers are working together to advance clean energy in a commonsense, pro-growth way.
This year, I was proud to help secure funding in the state budget to support the South Carolina offshore wind supply chain study.
Funding the study is an essential next step in advancing our state’s clean energy presence to create more jobs, spur economic growth and ensure power is reliable and affordable for S.C. homes and businesses.
While South Carolina has experienced considerable expansion of our solar power manufacturing capabilities over the years, we haven’t seen the same growth in wind energy manufacturing. I hope that by studying the economic potential and feasibility of growing the offshore wind manufacturing supply chain, we can change that.
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Read also
Connecticut Governor Commits to Offshore Wind Power, REVE / October 08, 2023
Governor Newsom Signs McGuire-Authored Bill to Expedite California's Offshore Wind Permitting Process, Lost Coast Outpost / October 08, 2023
New England States Agree to Buy Offshore Wind Power Amid Industry Challenges, gCaptain / October 08, 2023
CT doubles down on offshore wind with New England 3-state deal, The Connecticut Mirror / October 07, 2023
Port Stephens residents and tourism operators among hundreds at rally to protest offshore wind zone plans, ABC News / October 07, 2023
Wind power project in New Jersey would be among farthest off East Coast, company says, RochesterFirst / October 06, 2023
More U.S. Wind Farms Terminate Power Agreements Due to Financial Pressures, The Maritime Executive, October 8, 2023
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Investing in wind energy development and expanding our wind manufacturing supply chain will help build a stronger, more sustainable and more resilient economy for the Palmetto State. Expanding our offshore wind energy manufacturing presence not only helps South Carolina continue to lead on clean energy, but it also creates good-paying jobs and supports local businesses and industries while attracting new ones.
As proud as I am that state lawmakers are working together to help advance our renewable energy manufacturing capabilities, there is more to do at the federal level to ensure our success.
Our leaders in Congress should work together to pass additional federal permitting reform measures to ensure clean energy infrastructure projects can move forward promptly.
