Posted on Fri, May. 19, 2006

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House approves offshore gas study

By Zane Wilson

The Sun News

COLUMBIA - The House overwhelmingly approved an offshore gas exploration study Thursday despite the concerns of some that it could lead to damage to tourism and the environment.

"I think this is very, very important for South Carolina to tap into the natural resources that we have," said Rep. Jeff Duncan, R-Laurens.

"What about these beautiful beaches we've got?" said Rep. Ken Kennedy, D-Greeleyville. "This is a potential disaster. There is big money pushing offshore drilling and exploration in South Carolina."

The proposal was filed because demand for gas is rising, and Congress is considering lifting the current moratorium on oil and gas exploration off the East coast.

The bill, which calls for an 18-member panel, passed 78-14. All area House members voted yes except for Jackie Hayes, D-Hamer, who did not vote.

The committee is to include representatives of both tourism and manufacturing sectors and is to take comment from anyone interested in the topic.

Rep. Harry Cato, R-Travelers Rest, sponsored the bill and said at least half the committee members will be appointed by representatives of the coast.

Rep. Vida Miller, D-Pawleys Island, said "the diversity of the coast should be taken into consideration."

Different coastal counties may have different views on the prospect of offshore gas exploration, Miller said.

Cato said he hopes that all opinions and knowledge of the issue will be shared. It is important for the state to be ready if the federal government lifts the moratorium on exploration, Cato said.

Rep. Walt McLeod, D-Little Mountain, tried to get members to add six more people to the committee. They would be from tourism, forestry and fisheries and other sectors he said were not fairly represented.

House members need to make sure "the beach you love and care for" is preserved, McLeod said. The committee also needs to ensure that salt marshes, where much of the seafood is born, is protected "or you'd end up eating rocks and plastic."

Rep. David Umphlett, R-Moncks Corner, said he is not opposed to exploration but the state must ensure that it does not cause pollution like he saw on the Gulf coast.

The panel is to report at the beginning of the next legislative session, if the Senate approves the bill. Only two weeks are left in the regular session.

Meanwhile, Gov. Mark Sanford said Wednesday that he opposes offshore drilling and prefers that alternative energy sources and conservation come first.