On May 12, 2025, Governor McMaster signed into law the South Carolina Energy Security Act (Act). The expansive bill seeks to establish a strategic and forward-thinking approach to developing new energy infrastructure capable of meeting the energy needs of South Carolina’s residents and supporting the continued prosperity of the state. In doing so, the bill mandates expedited permitting timeframes of Energy Infrastructure Projects (EIP) for the South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES or Department), SCDNR, and local governments. All agencies, including SCDES, are instructed in the Act to give expedited review of applications for energy infrastructure projects, to provide reasonable and constructive assistance to applicants to allow the applicants to comply with any law and regulatory requirements as expeditiously as possible.    

SCDES Implementation of the South Carolina Energy Security Act  

An Energy Infrastructure Project (EIP) is a project entailing the construction, placement, authorization, or removal of energy infrastructure including, but not limited to, electric transmission and generation assets, natural gas transmission assets, and all associated or appurtenant infrastructure and activities, including communications and distribution infrastructure. The Act outlines measures before and during the permitting process to expedite reviews. 

SCDES issues a wide array of permits for EIPs. Following is a sampling of common permits and certifications that may be needed before starting an EIP.  

Bureau of Air Quality  

• Air Quality Permits
• Asbestos

Bureau of Coastal Management

• Coastal Zone Consistency Certification
• Critical Area Permitting

Land & Waste Permits

Water Permits

• 401 Water Quality Certification Process Explained
• Stormwater - Construction Activities
• Wastewater
• Surface Water Withdrawals

Contact

For questions regarding the department’s implementation of Expedited Permitting under the South Carolina Energy Security Act, contact: Jill Stewart, P.E.