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COMMITTEE REPORT
February 26, 2009
H. 3508
Introduced by Reps. Barfield, Sandifer, Cato, Ott, Duncan, Pinson, Vick, Brantley, Lucas, Alexander, Erickson, Hardwick, Hiott, Moss, Haley, Jefferson, Allen, Bowen, Edge, Allison, Anthony, Bales, Ballentine, Bannister, Battle, Bowers, Brady, Branham, G.A. Brown, Clemmons, Cole, Cooper, Crawford, Daning, Delleney, Forrester, Gambrell, Gilliard, Gullick, Hamilton, Harrison, Hayes, Herbkersman, Hodges, Horne, Hutto, Kelly, Knight, Littlejohn, Long, Lowe, Mack, Miller, Mitchell, Nanney, J.M. Neal, Neilson, Owens, Parker, E.H. Pitts, M.A. Pitts, Rice, Scott, D.C. Smith, G.R. Smith, J.E. Smith, J.R. Smith, Spires, Toole, Umphlett, Viers, Weeks, White, Whitmire, Williams, Wylie, A.D. Young and T.R. Young
S. Printed 2/26/09--H.
Read the first time February 12, 2009.
To whom was referred a House Resolution (H. 3508) memorializing the United States Congress to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, etc., respectfully
That they have duly and carefully considered the same and recommend that the same do pass:
LISTON D. BARFIELD for Committee.
MEMORIALIZING THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE OF GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE THROUGH THE ADOPTION OF A FAIR AND EFFECTIVE APPROACH THAT SAFEGUARDS AMERICAN JOBS, ENSURES AFFORDABLE ENERGY FOR CITIZENS, AND MAINTAINS AMERICA'S GLOBAL COMPETITIVENESS.
Whereas, there is some scientific belief that greenhouse gases could impact the atmosphere; and
Whereas, the greenhouse gas emissions of developing countries are rising more rapidly than the emissions of the United States and have surpassed the greenhouse gas emissions of the United States and other developed countries; and
Whereas, South Carolina accounts for only 0.24% of total global greenhouse gas emissions; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not eliminate American jobs and diminish the ability of American industry to compete in the global marketplace; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must not add to the already high costs of power and gasoline; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must reward, and not punish, early adopters of energy efficient technologies and practice; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must adopt an international component to prevent "emissions leakage" and ensure that emissions do not simply migrate to another state or nation; and
Whereas, the only manner to quantify these emissions is through a domestic and international greenhouse gas emissions registry that is uniform, transparent, and verifiable; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gases must ensure that the adopted regime does not result in the off-shoring of international trade sensitive industries; and
Whereas, manufacturing employment in August 2008 was at its lowest level since March of 1950; and
Whereas, South Carolina has lost over 102,000 manufacturing jobs since 1998; and
Whereas, manufacturing accounts for $24.9 billion of South Carolina's Gross State Product, the number one contributor to the state's economy; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must ensure the availability of sufficient, affordable energy, including clean energy, before restricting emissions in a manner that could reduce the volume of energy available to consumers; and
Whereas, any system to regulate greenhouse gas emissions must provide credits or allowances to support operations, such as recycling and other practices, that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and
Whereas, any action taken should be structured to:
(1) promote American jobs;
(2) save American citizens and industry from higher energy prices;
(3) reward early adopters of efficient practices and technologies;
(4) prevent "emissions leakage"; and
(5) champion the global competitiveness of American industry. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the South Carolina House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, memorialize the United States Congress to address the issue of global climate change through the adoption of a fair and effective approach that safeguards American jobs, ensures affordable energy for citizens, and maintains America's global competitiveness.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the United States Senate, the United States House of Representatives, and to each member of the South Carolina Congressional Delegation.
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