Story perspectives

South Carolina Pushes Small Nuclear Reactors Amid Energy Surge

2/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

South Carolina faces growing energy demand from population growth and data centers, prompting the governor to back small nuclear reactors and a stalled plant revival.
Republican lawmakers push to limit agencies, prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns.
State Representative G. Murrell Smith Jr. calls to reduce regulatory power and curb unelected rulemaking.
The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act would reduce state controls, with bills in at least 16 other states.

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Story summary

South Carolina faces growing energy demand from population growth and data centers, prompting the governor to back small nuclear reactors and a stalled plant revival.
Republican lawmakers push to limit agencies, prioritizing economic growth over environmental concerns.
State Representative G. Murrell Smith Jr. calls to reduce regulatory power and curb unelected rulemaking.
The Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act would reduce state controls, with bills in at least 16 other states.