South Carolina Faces Energy Crisis Demands

South Carolina lawmakers are addressing a looming energy crisis exacerbated by increased demand from manufacturing and data centers, which account for 65% of the state's power needs. Following a series of lengthy hearings, the Senate's Special Committee on South Carolina’s Energy Future is considering reforms to expedite the construction of new natural gas plants. This follows criticism regarding the economic benefits of data centers versus their impact on residential electricity rates. In related news, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has launched the Environmental Justice Climate Corps to create job opportunities in clean energy and climate resilience, part of President Biden’s American Climate Corps initiative. Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act is set to introduce new clean energy tax credits in 2025, aiming to promote green technologies with specific greenhouse gas emissions standards. Congress is also advancing various energy and climate-related legislative efforts, including streamlining environmental permitting and accelerating hydropower licensing.