Following the South Carolina Supreme Court’s Jan. 28 opinion upholding the Administrative Law Court’s decision, Dominion Energy South Carolina’s (DESC) has been cleared to proceed on a natural gas main that will increase energy supply to the Grand Strand region. DESC officials confirmed that their 401 permit now stands in full effect, removing the final legal hurdle for the River Neck-to-Grand Strand Natural Gas Main, commonly known as the Pamplico Pipeline.
Local business advocates say the project will expand the region’s ability to transport additional natural gas, which will:
- Lift infrastructure constraints that previously stalled commercial development
- Provide more reliable and consistent natural gas service to existing businesses
- Reduce reliance on higher-cost alternative fuel sources
- Improve the region’s competitiveness in economic development projects
- Strengthen the area’s ability to recruit industry and employers
- Help diversify the local economy beyond tourism
- Position the Grand Strand for long-term, sustainable growth
Both the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and the Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corporation (MBREDC) have long advocated for expanded energy infrastructure to support business growth and ensure the region has the reliable supply needed to meet accelerating demand.
To underscore the significance of the ruling for the region’s business community, leaders from both organizations shared the following statements:
“The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce praises the South Carolina Supreme Court’s recent ruling related to the Pamplico Pipeline. The decision to allow the project to move forward provides an important step in allowing critical energy infrastructure in Horry County to move forward, ultimately improving the quality of life for its residents. Reliable and expanded energy capacity is essential to meeting the region’s evolving operational needs by supporting businesses, housing, healthcare offerings, all while attracting new investment that diversifies our economy. The Myrtle Beach Area Chamber continues working with community partners to advocate for much-needed energy infrastructure that supports the regional economy and this ruling is a positive step in supporting the needs of our communities.”
—MBACC President Jimmy Gray
“This ruling brings clarity and certainty at a time when our region needs both. Access to reliable natural gas infrastructure is not optional if we intend to compete for advanced manufacturing, large-scale distribution, and other high-wage industries. The Pamplico Pipeline strengthens our ability to recruit new employers, support existing industry, and keep economic momentum moving forward. While additional infrastructure improvements are still needed north of Myrtle Beach, today’s development is a significant milestone for Horry County’s long-term economic competitiveness.”
—MBREDC President & CEO Sandy Davis
