COLUMBIA, S.C. – In conjunction with the 7th Annual National Clean Energy Week (NCEW), Governor Henry McMaster issued a proclamation celebrating September 25-29, 2023, as Clean Energy Week in the state of South Carolina.  

“Thank you, Governor Henry McMaster, for joining us in celebrating National Clean Energy Week 2023,” said Heather Reams, chair of NCEW and president of Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions (CRES) Forum. “Affordable, reliable, and clean energy has become an issue on the minds of Americans across the country, from Main Street to Wall Street. In South Carolina, clean energy is creating jobs, reducing emissions, and having a positive community impact. Clean Energy Week is an opportunity to celebrate the advancements made by industry leaders and advocates in South Carolina and across the country.”   

“The clean energy sector is a growing part of the economy and has been a key driver of economic growth in the Palmetto State in recent years,” said Governor Henry McMaster in his proclamation. “Solar power, hydropower, and biomass are South Carolina’s primary source of renewable energy, accounting for 7% of the state’s total net generation.” 

In the proclamation, Governor McMaster recognizes that the clean energy sector employs over 56,000 people in South Carolina with the number of jobs growing 16% between 2021 and 2022. South Carolina is also the third-largest producer of nuclear power in the nation and the state’s four nuclear power plants provided 54% of the state’s net electricity generation in 2021.  

Last year, Governor McMaster joined nearly three quarters of the nation’s governors in issuing proclamations to recognize NCEW in their respective states. Learn more about the state proclamations here. 

NCEW was founded in 2017 as a bipartisan forum to recognize the numerous advantages clean energy production provides to local communities, from economic growth and job creation to lower emissions and a healthier environment. The week contains engaging educational programming such as the Policymakers Symposium—three days of programming—convening elected officials, business leaders, advocates, policymakers, investors, and trade associations from all perspectives who are dedicated to advancing clean energy. Journalists can register for the NCEW Policymakers Symposium HERE.

For more information about NCEW, including sponsorship opportunities, remote and in-person events, and registration for the Policymakers Symposium, visit the NCEW website at www.nationalcleanenergyweek.org.  

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