VOL. 7, NO. 2 – November 2008 ISSN: 1540-1499

IN THIS ISSUE…

Source: Treehugger.

Observations

By Robert W. Oldendick

The Freshwater Resource in South Carolina: An Analysis of the Key Policy and Management Issues

By Jack C. Kresslein

The demand for water—freshwater that’s clean, clear, reliably accessible at a relatively low price to anyone with access to a tap—is growing. This article examines how South Carolina manages its water resources. Its focus, while broad, covers the essentials: The fundamental importance of water, the topographical and hydrological conditions in which South Carolina finds itself, a discussion of the water budget along with consumption data, a discussion of population and other pressures on our state’s water supply, the roles and responsibilities of key state and federal agencies, water resource planning, and a review of key issues continuing to confront state policymakers. 

Stormwater Management Planning in South Carolina

By William E. Tomes

Local governments in South Carolina and across the nation are working to implement federally-mandated stormwater management plans. Historically, pollution associated with stormwater runoff has been a problem for as long as there have been towns and cities. Today, the volume of stormwater pollutants continues to grow as development replaces porous surfaces with impervious blacktop, rooftop, and concrete. Experts agree that “non-point” source pollution is the number one cause of water quality problems in the United States. This article reports—in summary form—on a survey, conducted by the Institute for Public Services and Policy Research, of 107 jurisdictions in South Carolina as to their stormwater management programs. 

A Feasibility Analysis of South Carolina Wind Resources for Electric Power Generation

By Jeffery L. Beacham, John R. Jensen, and Zhongwu Wang

Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) are policy tools that establish a requirement for retailers of electricity to provide a minimum portion of their electricity from renewable resources, such as, solar, wind, biomass, geothermal, and water. RPSs have been considered by the U.S. Congress; however, all current RPSs have been developed by individual states. For example, North Carolina has recently completed a study of the feasibility of developing a RPS and passage of a RPS is being considered by the state legislature. In this report, an introduction to wind-generated power in the U.S. is given and provides the results of a feasibility analysis conducted by the University of South Carolina’s Institute for Public Service & Policy Research and the Department of Geography that uses Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques to investigate wind as a resource for electric power generation in South Carolina. Specifically, this research focuses on the availability and accessibility of wind as an energy resource.

Lies, Damn Lies, and Energy Independence – A Book Review – Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of Energy Independence

By Mark A. Bondo

Given the direction of debate waging on current energy policy, Robert Bryce’s Gusher of Lies: The Dangerous Delusions of Energy Independence (2008) is a welcome and necessary cold shower for those who believe we should strive for energy independence. As Bryce points out, energy independence is hardly a new term or goal. In modern times, Nixon promised energy independence within six years in 1974. While Bryce divides his book into four parts to address energy, the book could easily be about the false notions of energy independence relating to security and alternative energy options. This review discusses Bryce’s arguments related to security and alternatives.

Around the Institute

By Rebecca J. Collier

This article highlights some of the Institute’s current programs, studies, and activities.