Sammy Fretwell
@sfretwell83.bsky.social
📤 105
📥 120
📝 50
Environment writer, The State newspaper, Columbia, SC
Another look at the Scout motor vehicle plant's effort to offset environmental damage at its construction site in South Carolina.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Trees fall, taxpayer costs rise under plan to offset Scout project’s damage
Trees are being cut in a national forest under a multi million dollar plan to make up for environmental damage at the Scout Motors project
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article312353796.html
11 days ago
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Offsetting wetlands and stream damage at massive electric vehicle plant is costing SC taxpayers a bundle
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Taxpayers spend $60 million to make up for environmental damage at Scout site
Environmental damage from the Scout electric vehicle plant near Columbia is costing South Carolina almost $60 million
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article312353421.html
15 days ago
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Environmentalists target SC city over forever chemical discharges that have polluted river where people fish. Nation's highest PFAS levels found in river, one study says.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Nation’s highest chemical pollution in SC river sparks call for cleanup
Environmentalists demand action as Sumter’s wastewater plant contaminates the Pocotaligo River with toxic forever chemicals, threatening public health.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article311885523.html
about 2 months ago
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Natural gas pipeline route surfaces in South Carolina after months of secrecy. Land targeted for protection is along the route.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Gas pipeline would cut through land targeted for conservation, map shows
A map obtained by conservationists shows that a new pipeline will cut through a natural area of swamps and rivers that have been targeted for protection in recent decades.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article311671353.html
2 months ago
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Could radioactive wasps signal larger problems at SC nuclear weapons complex? More information sought.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Radioactive wasp nests spark demand for answers at SC’s Savannah River Site
The discovery of radioactive wasp nests at SC’s Savannah River site have sparked questions. Some researchers and activists are urging the government to provide more details.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article311665481.html
2 months ago
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Multimillion dollar land protection deal announced in South Carolina. Rare birds will benefit, conservationists say.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Forest land near SC coast to be protected. It’s a nesting site for rare birds
A conservation group says it plans to protect 8,000 acres near Georgetown before the property is developed. Rare kites nest on the property.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article311257385.html
3 months ago
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Overfishing is a continuing concern along SC's coast. My colleague, John Monk, details one fisherman's troubles with the law.
www.thestate.com/news/local/c...
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SC commerical fisherman gets prison for lying about overfishing
Evidence against commercial fisherman Don Rynn included video clips, witnesses in the commercial fishing business and experts testifying how overfishing certain species hurts everyone.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article311170025.html
3 months ago
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Officer who helped prosecutor in dog attack describes bloody scene at South Carolina nature preserve
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Cop who helped prosecutor in dog attack recounts harrowing scene at SC preserve
A Lexington police detective helped save a federal prosecutor from a vicious dog attack on a running trail at Harbison State Forest.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article310717565.html
3 months ago
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Dogs attack and injure federal prosecutor in South Carolina nature preserve. He describes them as pit bulls or pit bull mixes.
www.thestate.com/news/local/c...
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Pit bull-type dogs attack prominent SC prosecutor out for a jog at Harbison Forest
Veteran federal prosecutor Winston Holliday has battled some of South Carolina’s most notorious criminals, but over the weekend he found himself fighting for his life against two pit bulls.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/crime/article310595380.html
3 months ago
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Utilities accused of picking pipeline plan that will cause more disruption to the environment and private property in South Carolina.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article309882645.html
4 months ago
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V.C. Summer nuclear plant gets extension of operating license as SC seeks more energy
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Nuclear plant at site of failed SC construction project to operate for decades
A nuclear plant in Fairfield County has federal approval to keep operating for decades.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article309775715.html
4 months ago
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SC river 'most contaminated' of waterways studied nationally. Forever chemicals are the problem, new study says
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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SC river the ‘most contaminated’ from dangerous forever chemicals, study finds
Forever chemicals are a threat to public health. They can sicken people who regularly eat fish tainted by the chemicals or drink water with forever chemical pollution. A new study found one SC river t...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article309332960.html
4 months ago
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Small woodpecker spotted at nature preserve west of Columbia, years after species disappeared
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Once rare woodpecker spotted west of Columbia, decades after species disappeared
A single red-cockaded woodpecker has been found digging a nest at a Columbia area nature preserve that hasn’t documented the species in five decades
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article308950930.html
4 months ago
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Carolina governors urge against oil drilling off South Atlantic coast. Environment, tourism at risk, say NC and SC governors.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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McMaster opposes offshore drilling along SC coast as feds seek more energy
Gov. Henry McMaster has come out against offshore drilling along the South Carolina coast, after opposing the last federal effort seven years ago
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article308761810.html
4 months ago
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Scientist who studied SC train wreck, helped victims, reinstated at CDC as part of larger restoration of jobs by Trump administration.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Trump administration reinstates ex-USC scientist who aided train wreck victims
A scientist known for helping victims of a South Carolina train wreck will get his job back at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention after the Trump administration dropped plans to eliminate ...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article308469905.html
4 months ago
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Volvo temporarily suspended production at its sprawling SC plant. Congressman blasts Trump over tariff policies.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Volvo temporarily suspended production at SC auto plant. Lawmaker blasts Trump
One lawmaker is blaming President Donald Trump’s tariff policies as a reason Volvo temporarily suspended production at its South Carolina plant.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article307558366.html
5 months ago
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Mercury released from SC paper mill with stinking past
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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SC paper mill with stinking past also had toxic mercury discharges
The New Indy paper mill was cited in a recent report for releasing the most amounts of toxic mercury of any other paper plant in the country
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article307481941.html
5 months ago
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Will the public be forced to pay a huge pollution fine for violations at electric vehicle plant construction site in South Carolina? Local officials say contractors should be liable.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Will $3 million fine cost Richland taxpayers? Penalty looms for Scout project
Environmental problems that have beset the Scout Motor vehicles project produced up to $3 million in fines. But will Richland County taxpayers foot the bill?
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article306338531.html
5 months ago
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South Carolina governor seeks federal help in effort to complete failed nuclear project
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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McMaster urges Congress to help revive failed nuclear construction project in SC
South Carolina’s governor says federal help is needed to restart the failed V.C. Summer nuclear project. Utilities shut down the project eight years ago as costs mounted and ratepayers were being char...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article306092386.html
6 months ago
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Big energy bill gets Senate blessing, despite worries ratepayers could see their bills rise. Legislation close to becoming law.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Sweeping energy bill passes SC Senate, despite concerns about rate increases
A huge new natural gas plant in Colleton County is nearing approval by the state Legislature. Gov. Henry McMaster would have to sign legislation allowing it.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305902646.html
6 months ago
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Affluent beach house owner confronts state officials in court over $289,000 fine they gave him for building a seawall along the beach at the Isle of Palms. New seawalls are not legal on SC beaches.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Isle of Palms beach house owner confronts state officials over $289,000 seawall fine
A feisty beach house owner who says his rights are being infringed upon was in Columbia this week to argue against a $289,000 state fine over illegal construction of a seawall at the Isle of Palms.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305805056.html
6 months ago
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SC House eliminates public notice requirements from major energy bill as final vote nears. Critics say that would limit information about new natural gas pipelines.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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House vote could keep public in the dark about SC pipeline projects
As the legislative session nears an end, the state House of Representatives has changed a major energy bill to become more friendly to utility companies. Critics say that’s bad for the public.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305602351.html
6 months ago
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SC Senate approves veteran official to run environmental department, despite complaints by property rights advocates.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Senate approves SC environment chief, despite complaints by property rights advocates
Gov. Henry McMaster’s pick to run the state’s environmental agency has been approved by the S.C. Senate after a handful of property rights advocates spoke against her
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305427721.html
6 months ago
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Affluent coastal property owner fires lawyers in seawall dispute after SC judge issues unfavorable ruling. Landowner seeks delay in a trial that could determine how aggressively South Carolina protects beaches in the future.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Citing expense, wealthy beach house owner fires lawyers in seawall dispute
Days after a judge ruled against him in a coastal development case being watched by many, a wealthy Isle of Palms property owner fired his legal team, saying they were too expensive
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305392511.html
6 months ago
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Judge rules against irate Isle of Palms property owner in dispute over seawall construction that prompted a $289,000 state fine. Landowner vows to continue fight.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Judge confirms SC authority to protect beaches in dispute over Isle of Palms seawall
Isle of Palms property owner Rom Reddy lost a court battle over construction of a seawall at his Isle of Palms beach house after a judge said the state had authority to fine him $289,000. But Reddy i...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article305273376.html
6 months ago
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Feds consider cleaning up farmland polluted by sludge from notorious SC textile plant
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Farms tainted by chemicals from notorious SC factory considered for cleanup
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated the Galey and Lord industrial site as a Superfund cleanup priority. Now, it is considering extending the area to be cleaned up to polluted farml...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article304987796.html
6 months ago
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Climate change tensions surface during hearing for new SC environment chief
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Tension over climate change dominates SC environmental nomination hearing
Gov. Henry McMaster’s choice to run the state’s environmental agency gained key support from a Senate committee. She now is up for confirmation by the full Senate.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article304223301.html
6 months ago
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Trump administration fires scientist who helped victims of disastrous train crash and chemical spill in South Carolina
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Trump administration fires scientist who helped victims of SC train wreck
Erik Svendsen is a well-respected health researcher who helped people after a disastrous train wreck in Graniteville 20 years ago. Now, he’s out of a job and his division at the CDC has been shut down...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article303708876.html
7 months ago
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Affluent oceanfront property owners gain support from SC senators who worry about state enforcement of beach protection laws. Committee approves bill without public input.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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People accused of illegally building on SC beach to get state help if senator has his way
Sen. Stephen Goldfinch wants to help oceanfront property owners accused of violating beach protection laws. But critics say a bill he has introduced will hurt the public.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article303713306.html
7 months ago
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Isle of Palms property owner fights nomination of regulator whose agency fined him over seawall construction. Rom Reddy says his stance is on behalf of the public.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Beach property owner urges Senate to block director of agency that fined him $289,000
Veteran environmental regulator Myra Reece is under fire from a coastal property owner. Her agency fined him and now he’s speaking against her appointment as environmental department director.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article303513706.html
7 months ago
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Power bills could rise annually under plan approved by SC Senate. Critics say that's a bad idea. Boosters say legislation makes sense.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Power bills could go up more often under sweeping energy bill approved by state Senate
Senators spent most of this week debating a sweeping energy bill before finally approving it just before midnight Wednesday
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article303384756.html
7 months ago
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SC Senate approves sweeping energy bill late Wednesday after marathon session. New natural gas plant receives boost.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Senate approves major changes in SC energy policy late Wednesday. Here’s what we know.
Senators spent most of this week debating a sweeping energy bill before finally approving it just before midnight Wednesday
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article303384756.html
7 months ago
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One million acres of South Carolina wetlands in jeopardy after U.S. Supreme Court ruling, study says
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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SC could lose 1 million acres of wetlands as floods rise and federal protections vanish
South Carolina’s wetlands are under assault, like those in other states, as a result of a Supreme Court ruling, a new report says. More than one million acres are vulnerable at a time when wetlands ar...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article302735014.html
7 months ago
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Senators in SC vote for state controls on solar farms after rural residents complain. Critics say the effort will hurt a growing and important source of energy.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Solar farms spark tension between rural areas and sun power advocates. Senators weigh in
Solar farms are seen as a way to increase energy capacity from non-polluting source. But their expansion into rural areas sparked a dispute in the state Senate.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article302871234.html
7 months ago
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Some reptile news: SC snake lovers fight proposed ban on ownership of deadly serpents.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Snake lovers want to keep deadly serpents at their homes, businesses, despite SC concerns
A ban on deadly snakes is on the agenda at the S.C. Legislature. Supporters say the state law is too lax, but reptile lovers are fighting back
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article302386354.html
7 months ago
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Trump's purge put federal scientists and their research at risk in South Carolina
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Trump’s purge of federal workers threatens environmental, scientific studies in SC
Scientists involved in coastal research at a Charleston laboratory are in the government’s crosshairs as President Donald Trump seeks to cut thousands of federal jobs.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article302061599.html
7 months ago
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Efforts to provide clean drinking water and protect the environment could suffer if Trump purge extends to state workers in South Carolina
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Environmental programs at risk if Trump purge extends to state agencies in SC
President Donald Trump and billionaire Elon Musk have been busy letting federal workers go. But if the budget cuts extend to state agencies, SC faces its own problems protecting the environment
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article301488319.html
8 months ago
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Clear-running creeks turned brown as mud washed off massive electric vehicle plant site for months. Now, SC regulators are considering fines for those responsible.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Despite warnings, Scout Motors project repeatedly polluted creeks with mud, records how
Scout Motors plans to build cleaner burning electric vehicles in what boosters say is a win for the environment. But the plant’s construction work has been an environmental concern.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article301313819.html
8 months ago
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Congaree National Park has a small staff. Trump's worker firings could have a big impact, if they extend to SC preserve. Visitors say staffing levels are vital to park operations.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Congaree National Park under scrutiny as Trump cuts jobs. Could park access be curtailed?
Congaree National Park is the only national park in South Carolina. Would Trump Administration budget cuts curtail park hours, hamper basic services?
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article300914674.html
8 months ago
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SC's longest-serving wildlife board chief is leaving. But the post won't stay vacant long.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article300639079.html
8 months ago
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Big industries challenging utilities in SC. Two proposals would loosen grip of utility monopolies in the name of lower rates and energy savings. But power companies warn of danger if changes enacted.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Lower power bills at stake as business groups push to break monopolies’ grip in SC
Efforts are underway in South Carolina to loosen the grip utilities have on customers. Some customers would have freedom to choose power companies.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article300498354.html
8 months ago
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Energy bill sails through SC House. It is intended to make building power plants easier. But the legislation limits what critics say are important environmental protections.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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SC House approves energy bill that limits environmental oversight of new power plants
Late amendments gain bill bi-partisan support for effort to address South Carolina’s energy needs
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article300215649.html
8 months ago
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Trump's electric vehicle decree holds up SC's effort to establish charging stations along interstates
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Trump halted electric vehicle plans as SC worked to deploy charging stations
Electric vehicles have grown in popularity across South Carolina. But a directive by President Trump could set back the effort.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article299950404.html
9 months ago
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SC governor supports effort to restart failed nuclear construction project that cost ratepayers billions of dollars. Skeptics say the state should have learned its lesson from the bungled V.C. Summer expansion.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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McMaster favors restarting failed nuclear project that hit ratepayers in the wallet
South Carolina’s governor likes the idea of completing two nuclear reactors in Fairfield County to provide more power for the state. But plenty of criticism remains, eight years after the work was ab...
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article299443864.html
9 months ago
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SC's biggest industries want freedom to buy energy from other utilities as Palmetto State power companies run low on energy capacity
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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If SC utilities can’t provide enough energy, big companies want OK to look elsewhere
Big energy users are in need of power. Can they get it from other states?
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article299359229.html
9 months ago
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Trains carrying hazardous cargo rumble through South Carolina's capital city. Railroad tracks cut through the heart of Columbia and the University of SC campus. (Story published earlier this month)
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Toxic trains rumble through Columbia, putting thousands of people at risk as city grows
Columbia is crisscrossed by railroad tracks, from Williams-Brice Stadium to the state Capitol building. Many trains on those tracks carry lethal chemicals.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article297007619.html
9 months ago
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Biologists worry that big alligators are dwindling because of trophy hunts in South Carolina.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Are trophy hunters killing too many of SC’s giant gators? Wildlife agency concerned
South Carolina’s largest alligators may be in jeopardy as hunting for trophy animals continues. The overall gator population is stable, but state officials worry about the big ones.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article299027405.html
9 months ago
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State-owned power company seeks to assess abandoned nuclear construction project. Is it worth restarting a project that soaked ratepayers?
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Santee Cooper seeks proposals to finish nuclear project that soaked ratepayers
Efforts are underway to bring back the V.C. Summer nuclear construction project that cost ratepayers billions of dollars
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article298989490.html
9 months ago
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Feds to launch detailed study of expanding nuclear weapons effort in SC, NM. Agreement reached in lawsuit.
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Feds to study potential danger of nuclear factory at SRS. Could it delay jobs-rich plant?
Nuclear weapons production plant will get closer scrutiny in South Carolina
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article298723763.html
9 months ago
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Solar, batteries and nuclear get boost in South Carolina with major federal funding
www.thestate.com/news/local/e...
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Government grants money for solar, nuclear power in South Carolina as Biden leaves office
South Carolina’s rural electric cooperatives are getting some $500 million in federal money to boost energy capacity from solar, batteries and nuclear power.
https://www.thestate.com/news/local/environment/article298715573.html?tbref=hp
9 months ago
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