South Carolina is a leader in renewable energy solutions

It is clear to even the most casual of observers that South Carolina is a conservative stronghold and that won’t be changing any time soon. However, the Palmetto State is also set apart from its southeastern counterparts in the way conservatives here have embraced clean energy. The facts are clear – South Carolina has established itself as a leader in renewable energy solutions, a title made possible by the bipartisan collaboration of state policymakers, grassroots activists, utilities, electric cooperatives, conservation groups, and renewable energy companies in the state.

 

Last week, we celebrated the fifth annual National Clean Energy Week and can reflect on just how far SC has come in such a short period of time. This summer, Gov. Henry McMaster signed the proclamation officially recognizing National Clean Energy Week in South Carolina before any other state had formally done so. This commitment to clean energy is telling and reflects positively on the governor’s leadership on this issue.  

 

It was only a few short years ago that our state awoke to the V.C. Summer nuclear plant scandal. Billions of our tax dollars were wasted on two giant holes in the ground in Fairfield County. As a result, Republican State Rep. Nathan Ballentine and Democrat Rep. Russell Ott came together to form the bipartisan SC Energy Caucus.

They knew it was time to transition our state into more energy choices and explore renewable power alternatives for the 21st century. After researching this issue, the SC Energy Caucus found that renewables can create jobs, attract new businesses to the state, lower energy bills for consumers, and help protect God’s gifts of natural treasures here in our state. 

 

In 2019, the landmark Energy Freedom Act passed the General Assembly unanimously and helped encourage more growth using renewable power in our state. This legislation has already seen several lasting impacts in the two short years it has been law. Now independent power producers and some local homeowners, on both the large and small scale, can sell the power they produce back to the grid. This benefits all ratepayers and lowers our dependence on fossil fuels. 

 

For example, removing the old barriers and increasing energy competition has allowed solar investment in the state to boom, with South Carolina boasting a total solar investment of $2.4 billion in 2021. Eighty-three solar companies in the state are now supporting 3,086 jobs, and solar education and training programs are widely available through technical colleges and universities all across the state. 

 

Regardless of political views, anyone who has seen a South Carolina sunset over a beach, lake, or mountainside knows that this state is worth preserving and protecting. Making the switch to more renewable energy will help us save our state for future generations. Clean energy solutions can significantly reduce air pollution and keep the carbon stored in our vegetation. Our state is home to 12 major lakes and 2,876 miles of tidal coastline, so combatting fossil fuel pollution here is always important. 

 

State leaders have helped focus on this issue by expanding renewable energy investment. Since I have been in the legislature, we have passed smart legislation to protect state homeowners who happen to have solar panels on their homes from any tax hikes. The state legislature is also moving forward with an energy market reform study committee to examine new ways to increase energy competition and lower costs for all state ratepayers. 

 

On the federal level, our Congresswoman Nancy Mace and both senators Lindsey Graham and Tim Scott support the passage of the Growing Climate Solutions Act that will help farmers, ranchers, and foresters understand and access carbon markets, helping the environment and boosting farm income at the same time. 

 

I want to thank everyone on all sides of the political spectrum for the incredible work they have done to ensure a better future for South Carolina. I look forward to working together and continuing on a better path towards more new jobs with more renewable power producing lower energy bills for every one of us. Future generations of South Carolinians will be the real winners here.

 

Mark Smith (R) is the representative for SC State House District 99, which includes Daniel Island and parts of Berkeley and Charleston counties.