A broad-based program making renewable energy from biofuel crops at the Clemson University Pee Dee Research and Education Center is among those caught in the crosshairs of a state Supreme Court ruling June 23 that struck down bobtailing.
The court ruled the Legislature violated the one-subject rule per law in the state constitution in 2007. The law in question sought to strengthen the state’s nursing profession, but it also included provisions dealing with wine tastings and the creation of the South Carolina Renewable Energy Infrastructure Development Fund, which was to provide loans and grants for renewable energy production.
The court action struck down parts of the bill that were bobtailed, such as the renewable energy fund, saying they had nothing to do with the bill’s original intent.
The Switchgrass for Biofuels Research and Outreach program involves more than 20 scientists from such agencies as Clemson University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Savannah River National Laboratory. Among its purposes is to produce cleaner energy that will reduce fuel costs and the country’s reliance on foreign oil.
Dr. Jim Frederick, the coordinator of the biofuel research group, is a professor at Clemson’s Pee Dee Research and Education Center.
“I’ve talked to the South Carolina Energy Office about the Supreme Court’s ruling and they have told me to stay put for the next week or two to see what happens,” Frederick said. “They are working on the issue.”
But what about the projects involving plants that are under way at the research and education center?
“Unfortunately, those plants just keep on growing and can’t be put on hold,” Frederick said. “We are looking at different options about how we might keep the projects going for the time being. I feel the issue can be resolved fairly quickly when the Legislature convenes in January.”
Switchgrass is a summer perennial that is resistant to many pests and plant diseases. It is capable of producing high yields.
“Making renewable energy from biofuel crops can be a major industry for South Carolina and a much needed boost to rural communities,” Frederick said in an earlier interview. “Growing switchgrass can also improve our sandy soils, enhance air quality and provide good habitat for a number of wildlife species without competing with food crops.”
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