SCCEBA works to build a clean energy transportation plan for S.C.
September 6, 2016
On Wednesday, August 24, 2016, clean energy representatives and thought leaders from all over North and South Carolina came together in Cayce, S.C. at the SCANA headquarters to talk about the future of clean transportation in South Carolina.
The meeting was hosted by the South Carolina Clean Energy Alliance (SCCEBA) and SCANA to help create synergy and generate ideas to help build a plan for clean transportation in S.C. The group of more than 50 individuals discussed ideas and thoughts on “best practices” and brainstormed a vision for a “desired state” of clean transportation in S.C.
“The Roundtable offered stakeholders representing state and local government agencies, fleet managers, alternative fuel producers, manufacturers of clean energy technologies, clean energy nonprofit advocates, natural gas and electric utilities, energy efficiency and solar businesses a forum to collaborate on needs, issues, barriers and opportunities for a clean transportation consumer market in S.C.,” said Bob Long, SCCEBA Board Member.
The group discussed numerous ways in which S.C. could create clean energy transportation opportunities and how to move our state’s clean transportation economy forward. Many “best practice” ideas were brought to the table to reduce fossil fuel consumption. Some strategies include the use of biofuels for trucks, fleets and school buses, creating strong educational outreach programs, establishing public/private partnerships for EV charging stations, expanding bike paths, and encouraging greater use of container and light rail systems.
Halfway through the meeting the discussion shifted to what the “desired state” could be, and in listening, one could begin to envision what the future could look like in S.C. Attendees spoke about a future where more electric vehicles travelled S.C. roads, with strategically placed charging networks along highway corridors and business centers, and greater integrated public transportation systems. Ideas of fuel stations with multiple options for alternative fuel and potentially infrastructure where new housing developments are built with electronic charging stations in every home and workplace. Those were just a few of the many progressive ideas the group brought to the table.
“SCCEBA is working to develop a Clean Transportation Plan for S.C.,” said Long. “That plan will result from meetings like this, surveying and studying national best practices and collaborating with stakeholders, agencies and thought leaders to define a vision for our state.”
“We are very thankful to all of the experts in clean energy technology and planning who offered their time and knowledge to participate in our roundtable discussion,” said Todd Delello, Chairman of the SCCEBA. “Their input will be invaluable as SCCEBA moves forward and develops its clean transportation plan that will highlight best practices and frame the desired state for SC’s clean transportation economy.”
SCCEBA will be hosting another Business Roundtable on October 26, 2016 in North Charleston on Community Solar Programs. It is a free event and registration will open on September 1, 2016. For more information and to register, visit www.SCCEBA.org.
SCCEBA is a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization that has been tasked with building a broad-based business alliance that fosters the development of a clean energy industry in S.C. SCCEBA is a cooperative enterprise for clean energy supply chain development in S.C. For more information, visit scceba.org
