Legislative Updates 2022: April 26-28

WEEK 16 IN THE STATEHOUSE

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Congratulations, Megan!
• Eminent Domain made law
• Other UF-backed bills advance
• Legislation we expect to see move this week
• Conservation Lobby Day a success

First of all, hello! You may have noticed that this week's Legislative Update is coming from another member of Upstate Forever's Energy & State Policy team — Megan was married this past weekend! Please join me in congratulating and wishing Megan and her new husband, Sam, all the best.

Now, let's get down to business...

There are just six legislative days remaining between now and Sine Die, when the legislature adjourns for the session, on Thursday, May 12th.

However, pursuant to the Sine Die Resolution, after that date the legislature will continue working on the state budget and any pending Conference Committees on bills. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) "Round Two" funding distribution will also be included in the Sine Die Resolution.

Missed last week’s update? You can find quick summaries from each legislative week here.

NEWS FROM THE STATEHOUSE

The Eminent Domain Joint Resolution (H.3524) was signed into law this past week! This extends the moratorium on unregulated, private petroleum pipeline companies' ability to use eminent domain until we can develop regulations to protect property rights and local waterways from pipeline spills. We now have until June 30, 2024 (the entirety of the 2023-2024 legislative session) to try to finalize the bill language to create the regulatory framework for these pipelines.

Both the Solar on Superfund Bill (S.901) and Green County Space Sales Tax Act (S.152) passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee. They will be up for consideration on the House floor this week. Since both are Senate bills which made crossover, we're anticipating both passing into law before May 12.

The DHEC Breakup Bill (S.2) was not taken up this past week, after all. However, there is still a chance it could be taken up or be included in the Sine Die Resolution, which allows them to keep working into the summer and fall. 

The Senate passed its version of the General Appropriations Bill (H.5150). We've discussed all the discrepancies between the House "Round One" version and the Senate version. It's now back to the House for "Round Two" before the Conference Committee.

WHAT TO EXPECT THIS WEEK

On Tuesday, May 3, one hour upon adjournment, the Public Utilities Subcommittee of the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry Committee is meeting on Senator Alexander's Storm Damage Securitization Bill (S.1077) which we support. 

On Thursday, May 5 at 9:00 a.m., Upstate Representative Davey Hiott's Hazardous Waste Cleanup Bill (H.4999) is up for consideration before the Senate Medical Affairs Committee.

Conservation Lobby Day recap

One last thing before we go, the South Carolina Conservation Coalition Conservation Lobby Day last week was a great success! Coalition members and advocates from across the state helped to solidify support through the statehouse for conservation and maintaining healthy communities through responsible economic growth. Check out a few photos from Lobby Day and the annual Oyster Roast below!

Until next week...

Michael Coleman
Energy Advocate

ODDS AND ENDS AND ACTIONS:

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