S.C. lawmakers must keep working to modernize state’s energy laws and infrastructure | Opinion

Modernize energy laws

Note: The writer is executive director of the Carolinas Natural Gas Coalition.

As South Carolina continues to grow at the fastest pace of any state in the nation, state leaders need to address our energy situation now, rather than waiting for a crisis.

With more people moving in and major energy-intensive manufacturing plants regularly announced, our current energy infrastructure is reaching its limits.

The last of the state’s coal-powered plants is scheduled to shut down around the end of the decade, and the existing natural gas pipeline network is already largely running at capacity.

While renewables will undoubtedly play a significant role in our future, natural gas provides the 24/7 reliable, flexible energy needed to back up the intermittent nature of wind and solar.

Natural gas is the critical source of power that can be brought on in time, using proven technology and fueled by America’s abundant supply.

The concept of an “all of the above” energy strategy is more relevant now than ever.

Earlier this year, the S.C. House and Senate debated a broad energy bill that passed the House with an overwhelming bipartisan vote.

For the sake of our families and businesses, it is critically important that these efforts continue and succeed. We cannot afford to delay action on this issue.

Modernizing our energy laws and infrastructure will help South Carolina stay ahead of the curve, ensuring a stable, reliable energy future for all families and businesses in our state.

It is encouraging to see that the Senate will continue working on this issue in advance of the 2025 legislative session. By taking proactive steps now, we can maintain our state’s growth and prosperity while keeping the lights on for everyone.

Trisha Ostrowski, Columbia

Fear begets fear

In my view, the gun-carry law that was signed by our governor in the early part of this year is a grave mistake.

It is understandable and acceptable for citizens to be allowed to openly carry a gun in so far as those who do so are operating a business and performing a job in which they might be targets for armed robbery or subjected to being attacked by dogs (such as a mailman, insurance agent, bank employee, cashier or restaurant manager, etc.), but not just any citizen due to a plurality of reasons.

First, there is the scenario of ‘‘fear that produces fear.’‘

There are some evil people who look for and thrive off of trouble and conflict, thus just the sight of an individual carrying a gun can be seen as an indication that they are either scary, thus ready to, or interested in, killing.

Furthermore the sight of a carried gun can be seen as an indication that he/she is ready to, or interested in, killing, so they are going to kill out of fear of being killed while the killed person came with the same fear.

Reginald Dicks, Sumter

Stop the noise

I am increasingly disturbed by the number of people driving cars and motorcycles with ear-damaging loud exhaust.

It is disturbing the peace, and serves no useful purpose.

While there is a statute in place (South Carolina Code Section 56-5-5020) that addresses loud exhaust on motor vehicles, I have not observed it being enforced.

Please enforce this statute to prevent the ear damage being caused by these loud vehicles.

Tom Roberts, Columbia