South Carolina Prepares for Solar Revolution

by Brandon  Baker from EW May 22, 2014
South Carolina’s House of Representatives voted in favor of legislation that would expand solar energy in a fledgling market by a whopping 105-0 count, The State reported. A similar version recently passed the state senate. The final version should soon be on Gov. Nikki Haley’s desk for a signature.

“This is truly a big deal,” said Rep. Robert Brown, D-Charleston. “A giant step in moving South Carolina forward in renewable energy.”

The bill comes after two years of intense negotiations. It is considered a compromise bill between utilities like SCE&G and Duke Energy and green groups like the Southern Environmental Law Center and the S.C. Coastal Conservation League.

It’s nowhere near as aggressive as laws in other states, but it represents a start. Under the legislation, investor-owned utilities in South Carolina must buy or invest in more solar energy by 2021. They must get 2 percent of their average five-year peak power demand from solar panels.

“Across the South, states like North Carolina and Georgia have already moved to take advantage of local, affordable solar power, and this compromise legislation is what South Carolinians have been waiting for,” Katie Ottenweller, head of Southern Environmental Law Center’s solar initiative, said in a statement earlier this year.

“With smart, forward-looking policies in place, the state’s solar market can and will grow rapidly, bringing enormous benefits to the people of South Carolina.”

Got Hogweed??

Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum) is an invasive species first introduced to the Americas from Asia as an ornamental garden plant. Looking at this giant from the carrot family you can see the beauty in such a toxic plant. 

Giant Hogweed

Giant Hogweed grows along streams and rivers and in fields, forests, yards and roadsides, and a giant hogweed plant can reach 15-20 feet or more in height with compound leaves up to 5 feet in width. Avoid contact with the plant, take a photo and report it in any state you live in. 

Giant Hogweed seeds.

Giant hogweed sap contains toxins known as furanocoumarins. When the toxins come into contact with the skin and are exposed to sunlight, they cause a condition called phytophotodermatitis, a reddening of the skin often followed by severe blistering and burns. These very painful injuries can last for several months, and even after they have subsided the affected areas of skin can remain sensitive to light for years. Furanocoumarins can also cause cancer and birth defects. The sap can also cause temporary (or even permanent) blindness if introduced into the eyes. 

Giant Hogweed Leaves

In South Carolina you can report Giant Hogweed to the Clemson University Plant Problem Clinic at 864-656-2677. You can send your photos to Botanist John Nelson at USC for verification, plantman@herbarium.org