Finally… real energy talk

September 17, 2008 by senatormcconnell

MCCONNELL CALLS FOR COMMITTEE TO STUDY ENERGY

With the energy crisis at its political and socioeconomic nadir, there have been a lot of great ideas floating around the forum of public debate lately.

It’s difficult to say which proposal is the best, and in 10 or 20 years I’m sure we’ll be doing a lot of Monday morning quarterbacking, but everyone agrees we must act now. Even the state legislature, lead by Sen. Glenn McConnell, who has requested that a joint legislative body provide members of both the General Assembly and the state’s Congressional delegation with a comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s energy resources.

“I believe responsibility lies with our General Assembly to conduct research, hold hearings, and act when it comes to policy that will put our state among a list of winners – both as to energy supply and environmental stewardship,” McConnell said in a press release Monday. “While the onset of $4 per gallon gasoline and double–digit increases in wholesale power costs caused by skyrocketing coal prices have moved ‘energy’ to front and center in the public’s mind, the challenge for our state is truly a long-term one. Read more

State energy plan

September 17, 2008 by senatormcconnell

State should evaluate its energy resources and infrastructure

South Carolina will be better able to ensure that its economy can grow smoothly if it plans how it will provide energy across the state.

State Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell has called for the General Assembly to develop an energy plan for the state. It’s a farsighted move that will enable the state to meet the challenges posed by the future.

The Palmetto State needs to deal with more than the current short-term crisis of gasoline availability and high prices. It also faces rising power costs due to increasing coal prices. Read more

McConnell Requests Statewide Energy Plan from Utilities Review Committee

September 17, 2008 by senatormcconnell

South Carolina Must Not Look to Federal Government for Secure Energy Future

Columbia, SC – Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell (R-Charleston) has requested that a joint legislative body provide members of both the General Assembly and the state’s Congressional delegation with a comprehensive overview of South Carolina’s energy resources. Findings of the Public Utilities Review Committee will be used to draft legislation for the upcoming session of the General Assembly in January of 2009 and to formulate a message to the state’s Congressional delegation about the challenges that South Carolinians would face if certain federal energy policies are adopted.

“I believe responsibility lies with our General Assembly to conduct research, hold hearings, and act when it comes to policy that will put our state among a list of winners – both as to energy supply and environmental stewardship,” says Senator McConnell. “While the onset of $4 per gallon gasoline and double–digit increases in wholesale power costs caused by skyrocketing coal prices have moved ‘energy’ to front and center in the public’s mind, the challenge for our state is truly a long-term one. Most likely, it will be one of the single greatest factors affecting our state’s economy and quality of life for the foreseeable future.” Read more

McConnell calls for comprehensive energy plan

September 15, 2008 by senatormcconnell

Sen. Alexander says panel will begin analysis before the week is out and will meet the goal for recommendations before year’s end

As America’s attention shifts to future energy needs, state Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell has called for immediate plans for South Carolina.

McConnell wrote a four-page letter to the State Regulation of Public Utilities Review Committee that outlined the challenges facing South Carolina and the need for a comprehensive analysis.

“While the onset of $4 per gallon gasoline and double-digit increases in wholesale power costs caused by skyrocketing coal prices have moved ‘energy’ to the front and center in the public’s mind, the challenge for our state is truly a long-term one,” wrote McConnell, R-Charleston. “Most likely, it will be one of the single greatest factors affecting our state’s economy and quality of life.” Read more

Sanford-Legislature feud boils

September 12, 2008 by senatormcconnell

Lawmakers don’t trust governor, McConnell says

Senate President Pro Tem Glenn McConnell on Thursday called Gov. Mark Sanford’s latest suggestion to get the Legislature back in session a $50,000-plus gamble.

Using an example of how lawmakers could use creativity to return to the Statehouse and make discretionary budget cuts, the Governor’s Office raised the idea of taking up an outstanding veto Sanford issued in June.

“I am not going to waste the taxpayers’ money so he can have a political dog-and-pony show,” said McConnell, R-Charleston. Read more