Governor looks to a cleaner energy future for South Carolina

Conservation Voters of South Carolina commends Governor Mark Sanford for decisively opposing Santee Cooper’s proposed coal plant. Sanford’s opposition places him in the growing ranks of Republican and Democratic governors from around the country who have come out against new coal plants in their states.

“The Governor showed leadership today by calling on policy leaders to adjust to the changing economic and political realities. Now is the time for South Carolina to step forward and end its addiction to dirty and increasingly costly coal. It was heartening to hear the Governor personally challenge South Carolinians to be part of the solution,” said Ann Timberlake, Executive Director of Conservation Voters.

Although Sanford emphasized that his decision on the coal plant stems from his analysis of changed federal policies and the economic downturn, specifically the rising cost of coal and the decline in consumer demand, he admitted that increased mercury and particulate pollution have always been concerns. Conservationists have applauded the letter that the Department of Natural Resources filed earlier this week with the Department of Health and Environmental Control objecting to the approval of any environmental permits for the currently proposed coal plant on the bank of the Pee Dee River.

“John Frampton’s letter is clear in its warning that continuing down the path of coal presents ‘unacceptable impacts, costs and risks for the natural environment and the citizens of South Carolina.’ We hope that the DHEC Board will look beyond the narrow confines of the permitting process and make an historic decision tomorrow to deny the air permit and protect the health of South Carolinians,” added Timberlake.

Conservation Voters has consistently opposed the proposed coal plant and advocated that investment in efficiency and renewable energy sources can be both a bridge to new technologies and a boon to the local economy. Recent studies, for example, project that offshore wind could supply 20% of the state’s energy at a cost that competes with coal.

“If we can get coal off the table, there is no question that conservation and business leaders can sit down and have an intelligent conversation about all the other energy options. We welcome the Governor’s challenge to be part of a positive dialogue about supplying clean power for South Carolina’s future,” concluded Timberlake.