Proceedings - Biomass South 2008
Mr. John Clark, Ph.D., South Carolina Energy Office
John F. Clark is Director of the South Carolina Energy Office. He has worked in energy and other public policy activities for over thirty years, including service as advisor to two South Carolina governors, staff for the U.S. House of Representatives and the South Carolina General Assembly, and Executive Director of Public Affairs for Santee Cooper, South Carolina’s major public power utility. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association of State Energy Officials. Among his achievements are the planning and writing of several pieces of state legislation, including the South Carolina Energy Conservation and Efficiency Act, the Atlantic Radioactive Waste Compact Implementation Act, and the South Carolina Energy Freedom Act. A graduate of Davidson College, Clark holds a Ph.D. from Syracuse University. He is also co-author of two guidebooks pertaining to the Palmetto State, Hiking South Carolina and Scenic Driving South Carolina.
Biofuels and South Carolina
The presentation will explain how South Carolina became a leader the southeast in incentives for ethanol and biodiesel production and distribution due to projected motor fuel use growth in the state, environmental concerns, economic well-being of rural communities, and energy security problems. The presentation will outline the inception, adoption, and implementation of ethanol and biodiesel production and distribution incentives in South Carolina and projected future growth of biofuel use and production, major research break-through’s in biofuel feedstocks, and unique characteristics of South Carolina that make it a potential leader in the country in advanced and cellulosic ethanol.
Notes
Mr. John Clark provided an energetic and enthusiastic review of the unique approach that South Carolina has addressed the development of “home-grown” biofuels in its effort to seek energy independence. John eloquently described the manner in which his Biocouncil had adeptly used legislative advocacy and public outreach to create the legislative framework and incentives to foster biofuels production and use within the state. The motivations were clear; address environmental concerns; rural/economic well-being; and retain the flow of state energy dollars to foster energy security and ultimately, independence.
John reviewed the numerous incentives that the state currently offers for research, production, non-food feedstocks and free alternative fuels testing. In addition there are grants and loan programs that assist with production and planning of new facilities
Summary:
Mr. Clark heaped most of his praise on the formation of a biomass Council for the state that assist with Legislative Advocacy and Public Outreach. Other customer-oriented efforts include the formation of a monthly One-stop Shop for Alternative fuels production facilities where in all commerce and regulatory agencies are available to meet prospective producers and their backers.
Clark also praised the state for its effort to provide a host of biodiesel and ethanol- based facilities and distribution centers. His goal is to retain the status of the best distribution system in the South.
Thanks to Sarah Ashton, Rachel Cook, Lindsey Hannum, James Jeuck, Liwei Lin, James McCarter, Susan McIntyre, and Mark Megalos for providing notes and summaries for presentations.
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