Renewable Energy and Alternative Energy Sources
Leaders within South Carolina are striving to make the Palmetto State a national
renewable and alternative energy leader, and I applaud their efforts. State Regulation
of Public Utilities Review Committee's energy report offers a comprehensive and
practicable energy strategy that will assist South Carolina's policymakers down
the road.
As Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina I challenge others to join Senator Glenn
McConnell and The State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee to step
up and work toward more balanced energy solutions. South Carolinians cannot wait
for congress to throw money at the problem just to see modest results.
The time is NOW for leaders within the Palmetto State to develop and implement legislation
that will bring assurance to our states industries and the people of South Carolina.
After reading the committee's report, I propose the following to South Carolina’s
policymakers and legislators.
- As the committee recommends, tax incentives and grants to improve energy efficiency
must be available for industry and homeowners to set a new standard for responsible
energy. Moreover, in the committee's report The Conservation Voters of South Carolina
proposes South Carolina policymakers should find ways to promote renewable energy
generation. Thus, I am pushing an incentive of my own to passage that will inspire
individuals to turn to energy efficiency while attracting renewable and alternative
energy industries to South Carolina. One tax incentive to motivate individuals will
require cities and towns to offer an exemption on residential property taxes in
the amount of the cost of a renewable-energy system (wind, solar, hydro) used on
one's property.
- South Carolina's policymakers and my fellow legislators must make government construction
a model for energy efficiency. SC Small Business Chamber of Commerce states in the
joint committee’s report: "State government should be reducing its own carbon footprint."
I couldn't agree more. South Carolina government must expand the sustainability
and energy efficient standards for government buildings. Where appropriate, we should
build the highest level of energy standards when building or renovating government
offices, public schools, or any state owned or leased facility.
- Policymakers and my fellow legislators must put in place requirements to guarantee
state-owned fleets will be converted to alternative fuel vehicles using biodiesel,
blended fuels, fuel cell technology and natural gas. If individuals are expected
to jump in and turn the key to fuel efficient vehicles, South Carolina government
should lead by example and begin to convert state-fleets as soon as possible.
- Promote mass transit. We must find innovative ways to enhance and promote public
transit and rail systems, because for every 10,000 solo commuters who leave their
cars at home and commute on an existing public transportation service for one year
help our country reduces fuel consumption by 2.7 million gallons. We must implement
and promote policies requiring mass transit buses to use biodiesel fuel, hybrid
or fuel cell technology and natural gas.
- Fifth, push for land use planning that guarantees space for future park and ride
facilities and future mass and traditional transit corridors.
South Carolina has yet to produce a stable energy policy that encourages conservation
and the investment in alternative energy technologies. The time is NOW for South
Carolina to create a comprehensive long-term energy strategy that will set the national
standard for responsible energy and resource management.
The joint committee has supplied our policymakers and my fellow legislators with
an excellent blueprint for South Carolina's future. Now the job is ours to help
South Carolinians turn the key to a hybrid vehicle or install a solar panel, instead
of waiting for false promises from a dysfunctional Congress. We must take a stand
to limit OUR dependency on foreign nations and make major policy changes NOW within
South Carolina - changes that promote domestic and renewable energy source.
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