Energy

Why Energy matters in Upstate SC

The Upstate has played an outsized role in South Carolina’s economic development boom, a trend that is expected to continue over the next few years. We have an unprecedented opportunity to transform the way we generate and deliver energy while balancing affordability, reliability, and clean energy goals — but it will take sustained effort and commitment to realize solutions. Upstate Forever works with both local and state leaders and regulatory bodies to consider how and where we build the energy infrastructure necessary to power new and existing industry.

Our top priority is ensuring residents don’t bear the unnecessary financial and environmental costs of this energy buildout. This work is essential to prevent history from repeating itself in the Upstate communities that have experienced negative impacts like pipeline leaks and fuel spills (such as the 2014 Kinder Morgan pipeline spill in Belton), contaminated rivers and drinking water, property loss, harmful emissions, and high energy bills.