Graham focuses on energy security for nation, state

National journalist and Pulitzer Prize winning author Thomas Friedman recently penned an excellent and timely column applauding U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's efforts to break the congressional impasse over national energy policy.

Most people recognize the urgency of reducing our dependence on foreign oil and the need to diversify and expand domestic energy production. Yet, as Sen. Graham has repeatedly noted, we are currently more dependent on other countries for our energy supplies than we were prior to 9/11.

Pursuing energy security also does more than simply improve upon our position internationally; it will invigorate our domestic economy and create jobs here on U.S. soil that cannot be outsourced.

South Carolina is already benefiting from a shift to more domestic energy sources and a growing focus on energy efficiency. General Electric, for example, employs more than 3,000 people in its Greenville manufacturing plant that produces many of the wind and gas turbines in operation around the country today.

The Boeing plant in North Charleston will manufacture planes that use 20 percent less fuel than conventional aircraft. A national energy policy that promotes the development of domestic energy resources will only increase the demand for these products from South Carolina and the host of other next-generation energy technologies being developed in-state.

Today South Carolina ranks as one of the least efficient states in the country for energy usage. There is substantial low-hanging fruit to be gathered by investing in energy efficiency for homes and businesses. Taking advantage of these opportunities would create thousands of jobs and save South Carolinians billions of dollars.

In South Carolina's rural areas, there is great potential to produce crops that could one day contribute to a state and national supply of bio-fuel. It is important to remember that South Carolina currently produces no oil, no coal, no uranium and no natural gas. This translates into billions of dollars a year sent to other states and other countries, as well as a sacrifice of tens of thousands of jobs within our borders.

That may change in the future, and indeed Sen. Graham is focusing on exploring the possibility that we have off-shore sources of gas and oil. But doesn't it also make sense to support and expand the energy jobs we already have? A national energy policy that promotes South Carolina's strengths and opportunities (offshore wind, biomass, solar and energy efficiency) represents a clear win for this state.

However, federal legislation is far from a guaranteed solution to our energy problem. It is possible, and even likely, that Congress will choose the wrong path, as they already have by subsidizing corn-based ethanol. So, like many people I know, I was stunned to hear the criticism Sen. Graham received from his own party when he announced his intention to work on this critical issue.

How else would it be possible to ensure that reason prevails and that South Carolina's interests are protected without participating in the congressional debate?

It is precisely the unwillingness of many members of Congress to discuss practical solutions to serious problems that has paralyzed our political system. Without a doubt, it is easier to stand on the sidelines and criticize the efforts ongoing in the Senate and the House. But I prefer that our elected officials take on the much more difficult task of debating pertinent issues, working through disagreements, and arriving at solutions that benefit our state and our nation.

Thomas Friedman is correct in applauding Sen. Graham's efforts on energy. I would even go a step further and say that Sen. Graham's courageous engagement on energy represents the best of America. If we are to diffuse the partisan acrimony which has stalled the political process and immobilized our country, it will be because more elected leaders look to Sen. Graham as a model for making progress on the monumental challenges now facing America and the Palmetto State.

HUGH C. LANE Jr.
President
The Bank of South Carolina
Meeting Street
Charleston