A senate RESOLUTION

 

To recognize the critical role of natural gas in meeting South Carolina's growing energy needs and supporting our state's future.

 

Whereas, South Carolina is experiencing rapid population growth and record-breaking economic development, creating a surge in energy demand that must be addressed to maintain reliability and affordability across the state; and

 

Whereas, meeting this challenge will require energy solutions that are reliable, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible-solutions that support both our economic competitiveness and quality of life; and

 

Whereas, natural gas is essential to South Carolina's ability to meet this growing energy demand while keeping energy affordable and dependable for families, businesses, manufacturers, and electric utilities; and

 

Whereas, South Carolina needs additional natural gas supply, as existing capacity is fully committed, along with new in-state infrastructure to reliably deliver energy to homes, businesses, and power generation facilities that depend on it every day; and

 

Whereas, natural gas is used to generate electricity and accounts for one quarter of South Carolina's generation-more than double its share a decade ago; and

 

Whereas, natural gas is also used as a direct fuel source by families and businesses, including one in four South Carolina homes that rely on it for heating and cooking-and employers need it to operate affordably and reliably; and

 

Whereas, access to natural gas is critical to South Carolina's economic development, including the growth of manufacturing and other large energy users; and

 

Whereas, natural gas enables greater use of renewables by providing flexible, on-demand power to balance the intermittent nature of solar and wind, or when demand spikes; and

 

Whereas, natural gas systems are largely underground, making them less likely to be disrupted during hurricanes or other extreme weather events; and

 

Whereas, the U.S. has enough natural gas to last well over a century, providing South Carolina long-term energy security through a stable, domestic energy supply; and

 

Whereas, the natural gas industry supports thousands of well-paying jobs across South Carolina and continues to invest in workforce training, safety, and long-term system performance; and

 

Whereas, the natural gas industry has faithfully served South Carolina customers for more than eighty years, with a strong record of service, safety, and commitment to local communities; and

 

Whereas, the natural gas industry is committed to ongoing innovation, investing in renewable natural gas, carbon capture, and other technologies that reduce emissions and improve performance; and

 

Whereas, converting coal-fired power plants to natural gas cuts carbon emissions by roughly fifty percent; and

 

Whereas, natural gas remains a safe, reliable, affordable, and essential part of South Carolina's energy future; and

 

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate affirms the importance of an all-of-the-above energy approach-one that includes natural gas-to meet rising demand, reduce emissions, and support continued growth and quality of life across South Carolina; and

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina Senate express appreciation to the thousands of men and women across the natural gas industry who work every day to serve the people of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the Senate:

 

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, recognize the critical role of natural gas in meeting South Carolina's growing energy needs and supporting our state's future.

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