Title: SC’s Coal Power Plant Turning to Natural Gas?

Peterson, Bo. “Uncertainty in the air for workers at SC’s largest coal burning power plant.” The Post and Courier, 4 February 2019, https://www.postandcourier.com/news/uncertainty-in-the-air-for-workers-at-sc-s-largest/article_275fdfee-1e79-11e9-863a-9bf403ef4cfc.html. Accessed 5 February 2019.

https://www.postandcourier.com/news/uncertainty-in-the-air-for-workers-at-sc-s-largest/article_275fdfee-1e79-11e9-863a-9bf403ef4cfc.html

What? Santee Cooper Cross Generating Station debating to be sold and whether to be converted to natural gas (implications)

Who? Converting to natural gas would affect hundreds of workers and community members who have well paying jobs in this coal plant

Why? The switch from coal to natural gas has some pros and cons depending on the social, economic, and environmental impact it has.

When? The article was posted on February 4, 2019, so this is very recent news. The Santee Cooper is still being debated whether to sell to a buyer/converting to gas.

Where? Cross Generating Station, Pineville, SC rural Lowcountry area near Charleston, SC

How? Most buyers want to switch to natural gas because it is economically more beneficial

Relevance to Society?

This news affects our very own South Carolina land and communities, especially those living in or around Charleston, SC. The huge amounts of job losses and fluctuations in electricity bills would be detrimental to society.

Relevance to the course?

We learned about the Triple Bottom Line and how it is used to solve wicked problems, such as the converting of the Santee Cooper Cross coal plant to a natural gas plant. The triple bottom line can be seen at play here since it shows the social, economic, and environmental issues that arise and should be addressed. The social side is the workers losing their jobs, the economic side is the natural gas as the cheaper option but the pipelines are not cost-effective, and lastly, the environmental impact of both the coal and natural gas, which both largely contribute to global warming.

Pertinent Questions raised?

Is Natural Gas really the way to go? Can South Carolina take further steps towards renewable energy despite the job and economic complications? More solar/hydroelectric energy use?