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South CarolinaH 3967126th General Assembly (2025-2026)House

AN ACT TO AMEND THE SOUTH CAROLINA CODE OF LAWS BY ADDING SECTION 48-23-185 SO AS TO DEFINE "BIOMASS" AND OTHER RELEVANT TERMS; TO REQUIRE THAT ENERGY PRODUCED FROM CERTAIN SOURCES BE CONSIDERED CARBON NEUTRAL AND FROM OTHER SOURCES CARBON NEGATIVE; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES.

Sponsored By: Patrick B. Haddon (Republican)

Signed by Governor

Summary

Bioenergy; Forest Products

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

New carbon rules for biomass energy

The law defines "biomass" and "bioenergy with carbon capture and storage." It lists eligible sources like mill leftovers, pulping liquors, harvest scraps, storm debris, invasive plants, landfill gas, and similar materials. Bioenergy from these sources is renewable and treated as carbon neutral. When paired with carbon capture and permanent storage, it is treated as carbon negative. These rules take effect April 6, 2026, and guide state regulators, utilities, and energy producers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Patrick B. Haddon

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Bruce W. Bannister

    Republican • House

  • Gary S. Brewer, Jr.

    Republican • House

  • Adam L. Duncan

    Republican • House

  • Cally R. "Cal" Forrest, Jr.

    Republican • House

  • William G. "Bill" Herbkersman

    Republican • House

  • William M. "Bill" Hixon

    Republican • House

  • Thomas R. "Randy" Ligon

    Republican • House

  • Richard Blake Sanders

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 154 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/25/2026

(Bioenergy; Forest Products)2nd Reading

Yes: 43 • No: 0

House vote • 4/30/2025

(Bioenergy; Forest Products)Passage of Bill

Yes: 111 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Act No. 117

    4/23/2026legislature

  2. Effective date 04/06/26

    4/23/2026legislature

  3. Signed By Governor

    4/6/2026Governor

  4. Ratified R 125

    4/1/2026legislature

  5. Read third time and enrolled

    3/26/2026Senate

  6. Roll call Ayes-43 Nays-0

    3/25/2026Senate

  7. Read second time

    3/25/2026Senate

  8. Committee report: Favorable Medical Affairs

    3/19/2026Senate

  9. Referred to Committee on Medical Affairs

    5/1/2025Senate

  10. Introduced and read first time

    5/1/2025Senate

  11. Read third time and sent to Senate

    5/1/2025House

  12. Roll call Yeas-111 Nays-0

    4/30/2025House

  13. Read second time

    4/30/2025House

  14. Scrivener's error corrected

    4/30/2025legislature

  15. Committee report: Favorable Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

    4/29/2025House

  16. Member(s) request name added as sponsor: Duncan, Sanders

    2/19/2025House

  17. Referred to Committee on Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs

    2/12/2025House

  18. Introduced and read first time

    2/12/2025House

Bill Text

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