COLUMBIA, S.C.- As South Carolina experiences unprecedented economic growth, the General Assembly is facing new challenges in addressing the state’s evolving energy needs. Businesses are increasingly seeking access to clean energy sources to power their facilities and meet critical sustainability goals. In response, Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC) has partnered with Furman University to examine the demand for renewable energy among South Carolina businesses and identify the barriers to renewable energy investment in the Palmetto State. Please see CVSC’s website here to learn more.
The study by Furman University analyzed 37 corporate sustainability reports published by companies that employ more than 1,000 people in South Carolina and conducted interviews with representatives of 21 businesses in the state.
The results of the study show that business participants want more in-state clean energy to meet their greenhouse gas reduction goals. However, the current South Carolina policy landscape makes it difficult. Business participants from the study noted that if the State fails to meet their needs there will be negative implications for continued economic development within the State.
CVSC interprets these results as a unique opportunity to foster continued economic development by increasing business access to in-state clean energy. New state policies should remove barriers and support business investment in clean energy. This would not only address business needs in our state, but also help to address South Carolina’s looming energy needs while reducing pollution and promoting clean air, land, and water in the state.
“It’s clear that businesses in South Carolina want more in-state renewable energy. Therefore, in order for South Carolina to continue to recruit and retain companies that will invest in creating high paying jobs of the future, South Carolina lawmakers need to develop a state energy policy that allows for greater renewable energy investments. If not, we risk missing out on future economic development projects and opportunities.”- John Brooker, Energy Policy Director.
