Veterans, Business Leaders and Consumers in Favor of Offshore Energy Development

February 13, 2018

Columbia, S.C.- Today, Supporters of offshore energy development including industry experts, consumer organizations and veterans held a press event in support of offshore energy development.

Business groups, energy consumers, policy leaders and veterans organizations that all represent thousands of SC citizens and businesses let their voices be heard that energy exploration and long range planning is critically important to the nation’s energy security and will be a huge economic boost to South Carolina.

From left, Capt. James McCormick, Vets4Energy; Dustin Van Liew, IAGC International Association of Geophysical Contractor; Tim Page, Consumer Energy Alliance; Stephen Gilchrist, President, SC African American Chamber of Commerce; Don Weaver, President of the SC Association of Taxpayers.

Speakers in favor of offshore development provided the following quotes from their public remarks:

• Ellen Weaver, President and CEO of the Palmetto Promise Institute: “A recent study from the Interstate Policy Alliance (IPA) and Palmetto Promise Institute (PPI) concludes that South Carolina is in a prime position to benefit from new oil and natural gas production in the South Atlantic Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), said Ellen Weaver, President and CEO of the Palmetto Promise Institute.  “The data shows that the well-paying direct jobs and indirect jobs from offshore exploration would have a tremendous, positive impact on our economic future.” 
• Stephen Gilchrist, President, SC African American Chamber of Commerce: “Developing offshore natural gas and oil could be a significant economic boost for many communities in our state who struggle with high unemployment. This is an opportunity to diversify our economy in coastal regions while stimulating new business opportunities within African American communities. We support the Administration moving ahead with the modern seismic testing as the next, safe a responsible step in the process.” 
• Captain James McCormick; Program Director for Vets4Energy: “Responsibly developing energy resources off the Atlantic will reduce our dependence on foreign sources of energy and strengthen America’s role as a global energy superpower while creating good jobs here at home. Some who are calling on South Carolina to oppose offshore energy development need to move past the fear mongering and half truths. Domestic energy security is vitally important, and now is not the time to walk away from the table without knowing exactly what is out there.”
• Don Weaver, President of the SC Association of Taxpayers: “The potential to generate substantial new state revenues for vital infrastructure needs without raising taxes is a viable option that we should explore. Recent studies and industry data show that South Carolina could realize $3.7 Billion in new revenue with the pro-growth energy plan the President is pursuing. We need to expand our economy and not raise more taxes.”

Contact: SC Energy Forum
803 339-9720
admin@scenergyforum.com

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