South Carolina

Charleston, S.C. (November 11, 2009): A new study released today shows that a combination of energy and water efficiency policies could cut electricity and water bills for South Carolinians by $5.1 billion and could create almost 22,000 new “green” jobs by 2025.    » read more »

Upstate General Contractor Named, Will Hire Up To Two Thousand

Columbia, S.C. - November 6, 2009 - South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford today issued the following statement on Boeing Company’s decision to use BE&K Building Group of Greenville as its general contractor to build the North Charleston facility for a second production line for the 787 Dreamliner.    » read more »

October 26, 2009 -- Representatives from NOAA and the states of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Florida, announced the formation of a partnership to better manage and protect ocean and coastal resources, ensure regional economic sustainability, and respond to disasters such as hurricanes. The announcement was made during the annual meeting of the Coastal States Organization in Charleston, S.C.    » read more »

October 16, 2009 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. John Spratt (D-SC) issued the following statement today on the failure of the State of South Carolina to enact legislation allowing for 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits.

"When my staff and I discovered in an analysis we conducted that the State of South Carolina had failed to enact legislation to allow for 20 additional weeks of unemployment benefits – 100% federally funded through the Recovery Act – I was astounded.    » read more »

Red Venture llc To Invest $27 Million In New Lancaster County Operations

Columbia, S.C. - October 7, 2009 - South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford today joined with the Department of Commerce and Lancaster County community in welcoming Red Venture LLC as they expand operations and move their headquarters to South Carolina.

The decision by Charlotte-based Red Venture LLC, an internet technology company named the 17th fastest growing private firm in the United States by Inc. magazine last year, will mean 1,000 new high-paying jobs and a $27 million investment for Lancaster County.    » read more »

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - June 16, 2009 -- An array of 213 solar panels will soon provide electricity to homes served by Duke Energy's McAlpine Creek substation in south Charlotte – all part of an effort to implement new smart grid technology.

The substation's new solar panels will provide approximately 50 kilowatts of electricity, enough to power five homes when the panels are operating. Electricity from these panels can be sent directly into the distribution lines serving the McAlpine Creek test area or used to charge a 500-kilowatt storage battery planned for installation at the substation in the weeks ahead.    » read more »

PSC approves eight new efficiency programs for Progress Energy S.C. customers

FLORENCE (June 10, 2009) -- The Public Service Commission of South Carolina has approved eight new energy-efficiency and demand-response programs for Progress Energy Carolinas customers in the Palmetto State. The programs will help residential, commercial, industrial and government customers save money and reduce their energy use.

Residential programs    » read more »

06/04/2009 -- WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the South Carolina Supreme Court decision forcing the Governor to apply for the stimulus funding.

"While I have great respect for the Court, I am very concerned this decision has caused great damage to separation of powers within our state government. Separation of powers is a concept that has served our state and nation well.

"While I disagreed with the Governor's decision to not apply for the stimulus funds, I believe it was his decision to make under the federal statute.    » read more »

RALEIGH, N.C. (June 3, 2009) -- Progress Energy today unveiled an expanded solar energy strategy in the Carolinas and Florida -- including a range of new residential and commercial solar incentives and programs.

The company strategy, launched under the name SunSense, is expected to expand the scope and use of solar energy in the Carolinas and Florida by more than 100 megawatts over the next decade. The cost of implementing the program is expected to have minimal impact on customer bills.    » read more »

Continues to Blather on About Separation of Powers

Columbia, S.C. - June 1, 2009 - After a federal judge today sent two stimulus lawsuits back to the state Supreme Court, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford said he would not make any state or federal appeals of whatever is decided by the state’s top court, and will abide by whatever their decision is regarding a disputed $700 million in federal stimulus funds.    » read more »

Governor's Counsel Removes Second Case to Federal Court

Columbia, S.C. - May 27, 2009 - Counsel for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford today removed the second of two actions regarding a disputed $700 million in stimulus funds to federal court.

The governor was made a respondent today in the suit - originally filed by former S.C. Democratic Party Chairman Dick Harpootlian Dwight Drake - and after consideration filed to remove that suit to federal court as well, because it primarily deals with federal law.

Yesterday, the governor’s counsel filed to remove the S.C. Association of School Administrators suit to federal court. On Friday a federal judge will receive briefs and on Monday will hear arguments on whether to keep that case in federal court.    » read more »

Files To Remove Scasa Suit To Federal Court, Will Not Respond To Harpootlian-Drake Suit

Columbia, S.C. - May 26, 2009 - Counsel for South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford today responded to one of the two suits brought regarding a disputed $700 million in stimulus funds, filing to remove it from the S.C. Supreme Court to federal court where it belongs.

In response to a suit filed Friday by the S.C. Association of School Administrators, the governor’s counsel reiterates the argument that federal court is the appropriate venue for any suit related to attempts to compel the governor to apply for stimulus funds, since it involves the legislature trying to unconstitutionally re-write federal law.    » read more »

Governor Sues On Grounds That Legislature Has Overstepped Authority Under Federal Law

Columbia, S.C. - May 21, 2009 - In response to a planned lawsuit to be filed in the S.C. Supreme Court, South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford has filed a federal suit to stop a disputed 10 percent of total stimulus funds from being spent in South Carolina unless they’re used to pay down debt, saying the General Assembly’s attempt to compel him to apply for the money oversteps federal law and our state constitution.    » read more »

Governor Vetoes Stimulus Funds, 47 Additional Budget Provisions

Columbia, S.C. - May 19, 2009 - South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford today vetoed state budget sections compelling him to spend stimulus funds, saying the budget failed to put South Carolina in a better post-stimulus financial position, and that it wasted a once-in-a-generation chance to make much-needed reforms to state government.

Governor Sanford vetoed part 1A of the budget, the budget’s main spending portion, and Part 3, the portion that directs stimulus spending, in their entirety. Governor Sanford has advocated throughout the budgeting process using $700 million in stimulus money - about 10 percent of the total headed to South Carolina - to pay down state debt.    » read more »

Dozens Of Homes Already Destroyed As Fire Now Covers More Than 15,000 Acres

Columbia, S.C. - April 23, 2009 - South Carolina Governor Sanford today issued a State of Emergency for Horry County as a wildfire that has already consumed 15,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 70 homes continued.

The state Forestry Commission is the primary agency in charge of fighting the fire, and the state Emergency Management Division has also deployed support assets to the scene in consultation with the Governor’s Office. The state Emergency Operations Center has been activated, with assets dispatched to fight the fire including a National Guard helicopter and other personnel.    » read more »