South Carolina (2000 EWS)

A welcome to the workshop was extended by Hank Stallworth, from the Office of the Governor, who built a solid case about the need for value-added agriculture in South Carolina to bolster a sagging rural economy. Petroleum reliance was a major topic discussed at the South Carolina workshop, "Ethanol Production in South Carolina: Improving Rural Economy While Meeting Federal Air Regulations", held September 21st in Columbia. John Clarke representing the SC Governor's Office spoke about the fact that South Carolina is the country's leader in petroleum reliance and the importance and need to develop in-state energy sources.

Results from a feasibility study on South Carolina's potential to produce ethanol were discussed and policies that can impact the development of an ethanol industry in the state were addressed. Potential agricultural and forestry feedstocks were reviewed, along with ethanol production technologies to convert these resources into ethanol. South Carolina is an ideal state for producing a pollution reducing fuel as it is growing as a retirement state. Retirees are showing their support for ethanol because it promotes clean air and water.

Bioenergy coordinator: Jean-Paul Gouffray, SC State Energy Office, Ph. 803-737-8038, Fx: 803-737-9846, Email: jpgouffray@drd.state.sc.us.