Committee Report

March 19, 2026

 

H. 3967

 

Introduced by Reps. Haddon, Ligon, Brewer, Bannister, Forrest, Herbkersman, Hixon, Duncan and Sanders

 

S. Printed 3/19/26--S.

Read the first time May 1, 2025

 

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The committee on Senate Medical Affairs

To whom was referred a Bill (H. 3967) to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by adding Section 48-23-185 so as to define "biomass" and other relevant terms; to require that energy produced from certain, etc., respectfully

Report:

That they have duly and carefully considered the same, and recommend that the same do pass:

 

DANIEL VERDIN for Committee.

 

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A bill

 

TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-185 SO AS TO DEFINE "BIOMASS" AND OTHER RELEVANT TERMS; TO REQUIRE THAT ENERGY PRODUCED FROM CERTAIN SOURCES BE CONSIDERED CARBON NEUTRAL AND FROM OTHER SOURCES CARBON NEGATIVE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:

 

SECTION 1.  Chapter 23, Title 48 of the S.C. Code is amended by adding:

 

    Section 48-23-185. (A) For purposes of this section:

       (1) "Biomass" means bioenergy feedstocks from forest products manufacturing including, without limitation:

           (a) forest products manufacturing residuals including, without limitation:

               (i) pulping liquors;

               (ii) pulping byproducts;

               (iii) woody manufacturing residuals;

               (iv) paper recycling residuals;

               (v) wastewater and processed water treatment plant residuals; and

               (vi) anaerobic digester biogas;

           (b) harvest residues including, without limitation, trees or portions of harvested trees;

           (c) downed wood from extreme weather events or natural disasters;

           (d) nonhazardous landscape or right of way trimmings and municipal trimmings;

           (e) plant material removed for purposes of invasive or noxious plant species control;

           (f) biowaste including, without limitation, landfill gas;

           (g) forest biomass derived from residues created as a byproduct of timber harvesting;

           (h) forest management activities conducted for timber stand improvement or to increase yield, for ecological restoration, or to maintain or enhance forest health;

           (i) biomass materials described by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as fuels pursuant to 40 C.F.R. Part 241; and

           (j) other wood products including, without limitation, lumber, crates, and pallets.

       (2) "Bioenergy with carbon capture and storage" means the process of capturing and permanently storing carbon dioxide for biomass energy generation.

    (B)(1) Bioenergy produced from biomass is considered renewable and carbon neutral. When bioenergy produced from biomass is paired with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, the bioenergy is considered carbon negative.

       (2) Bioenergy produced from agricultural harvesting is considered renewable and carbon neutral. When the bioenergy produced from agricultural harvesting is paired with bioenergy with carbon capture and storage, the bioenergy is considered carbon negative.

 

SECTION 2.  This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.

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