SC AG Supports President Trump’s Efforts to Unleash American Energy Production To Meet Growing Needs

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South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson and 22 other state attorneys general are supporting President Trump’s plans to increase U.S. energy production to meet the growing demands of the nation.

They say it’s a matter of national security and prosperity.

The 23-state coalition sent a letter to Department of the Interior Secretary Doug Burgum supporting President Trump’s efforts and explaining why it’s crucial to the states and the nation.

“This is not about politics or preferences,” Wilson said. “If we don’t start producing more electricity by expanding fossil fuel energy sources, large parts of this country won’t have the power they need for everyday life.”

He said renewable energy sources have so far been too unreliable and weak to replace fossil fuels.

The letter points out that, “the North American Electric Reliability Corporation projects that, unless something is done now, large swaths of our country will not have a reliable power grid as soon as this year, even during normal conditions.”

President Trump’s Executive Order 14156 declares a national energy emergency and restores and revitalizes our traditional energy sources, including coal-fired power plants.

The attorneys general contend the Biden administration adopted anti-fossil fuel policies that reduced our nation’s energy production.

“The result is the lowest level of coal production since 1960 – at a time when grid reliability is in a precarious state,” they write in their letter.

They also contend that it's not just about keeping up with current needs and note artificial intelligence requires chips, data, and electricity.

They contend that the nation might soon lack adequate electricity, as American AI energy consumption is expected to increase dramatically over the next five years.

“Without increased coal-fired energy production, we will not be ready to meet this spike in power demand,” the letter states.

The attorneys general say if trends don’t change, China has the ability to surpass the United States as the world leader in AI.

They say  the U.S. is in an energy crisis, and if the nation fails to meet the demands of the AI industry and other key sectors, it will face increased threats to the nation’s prosperity and national security.

Joining Wilson in the letter are the attorneys general from West Virginia, North Dakota, and Wyoming, which led the letter, along with Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Virginia.

You can read the letter here.

Nucor Announces Guidance for the First Quarter of 2025 Earnings

 Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) on March 20, 2025, announced guidance for its first quarter ending April 5, 2025.

Charlotte, North Carolina-based Nucor, which has operations in South Carolina, said it expects first quarter earnings to be in the range of $0.45 to $0.55 per diluted share.

After adding back certain one-time charges totaling approximately $0.05 per diluted share, described below, Nucor expects first-quarter adjusted earnings per diluted share to be in the range of $0.50 to $0.60.

Nucor reported net earnings of $1.22 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2024 and $3.46 per diluted share in the first quarter of 2024.

Included in the first quarter of 2025 non-adjusted guidance range are estimated one-time charges of approximately $16 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, related to the closure of two facilities in the steel products segment.

Nucor expects earnings in the steel mills segment in the first quarter of 2025 to be in line with the fourth quarter of 2024.

It expects earnings in the steel products segment to decrease in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 due primarily to lower average selling prices.

The earnings of the raw materials segment are expected to decrease in the first quarter of 2025 as compared to the fourth quarter of 2024 due to lower margins at our DRI facilities. 

Nucor expects higher corporate, administrative and tax impacts in the first quarter of 2025 than recognized in the fourth quarter of 2024.

Quarter-to-date, Nucor has repurchased approximately 2.3 million shares at an average price of $133.17 and has returned approximately $428 million to stockholders in the form of share repurchases and dividend payments. 

GSSM Honors South Carolina Department of Commerce at 31st Annual Townes Award Celebration

The South Carolina Department of Commerce was awarded the prestigious Townes Award by the South Carolina Governor's School for Science & Mathematics (GSSM) on Wednesday evening.

S.C. Commerce was celebrated for leading transformative growth in South Carolina.

From large corporations to entrepreneurs and from life sciences to advanced manufacturing, S.C. Commerce helps advance the economy and create opportunities for all South Carolinians.

In front of a packed ballroom at 1208 Washington Place in Columbia, S.C. Commerce Secretary Harry M. Lightsey III and Deputy Secretary Ashely Teasdel accepted the award during the 31st annual Townes Award Celebration.

"The South Carolina Department of Commerce is honored to receive the prestigious Townes Award," Lightsey said. "S.C. Commerce works to create economic opportunities to increase choices for all South Carolinians, and this award highlights our ongoing efforts to embrace the future to ensure the state's sustainable advantage for years to come."

Lightsey added, “We greatly appreciate the support and recognition of the Governor's School for Science and Mathematics."

Through collaborations, partnerships, and a historic $10.27 billion in announced capital investment in 2022, followed by $9.22 billion announced in 2023, S.C. Commerce, under the leadership of Lightsey and Teasdel, has achieved historic growth and secured some of the largest economic development deals on record.

"GSSM proudly honors the Department Commerce for their unparalleled efforts in attracting businesses to South Carolina and supporting their growth," said Danny Dorsel, GSSM president. "Our research programs, which make GSSM a national leader in STEM education, depend on many companies to provide internships for our students and career opportunities for our alumni.”

Dorsel added, “ We are grateful to partner with the Department of Commerce in making South Carolina a great place to live, learn and work."

Since 1993, GSSM has presented the Townes Award to honor individuals, businesses, or institutions that have transformed South Carolina and the world.

Charles H. Townes, Ph.D., (1915–2015) was a native South Carolinian, Furman graduate, and Nobel Laureate in physics.

In 1964, Townes received the Nobel Prize for his pioneering research in quantum electronics, leading to the invention of the laser.

Applications to GSSM's residential program are being considered on a space-available basis. Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/admissions/apply-residential.

Applications to GSSM's GoSciTech summer STEM camps are also open, offering students three options: a residential camp in Hartsville, day camps at locations across the state, and virtual camps accessible from anywhere.

Interested students can apply at www.scgssm.org/summercamps.

Matthew Pivarnik Named President, CEO of Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and CVB

Following a comprehensive, community-driven search, the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce (MBACC) and Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) said Matthew “Matt” Pivarnik, IOM, CCE, will be the organization’s new president and CEO.

Pivarnik brings more than 30 years of leadership experience to the Grand Strand, most recently as CEO of the Greater Topeka Partnership in Kansas, where he oversaw operations of the Greater Topeka Chamber, Visit Topeka, GO Topeka and Downtown Topeka Inc., among others. 

“I’m honored to join the team at the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber and bring my experience to this thriving community,” Pivarnik said.

He added, “The Grand Strand is a dynamic, world-class place to live and visit, and this is an exciting time in its evolution. I look forward to working alongside the community to build on the region’s strengths and further enhance the exceptional quality of life it provides.”

Pivarnik played a pivotal role in forming the Greater Topeka Partnership in 2018, a collaboration that successfully unified regional efforts and contributed to the area’s significant revitalization.

Under his leadership, the capital city metro received national recognition as a top U.S. city to live and visit, experiencing a $2 billion increase in GDP, a 24 percent rise in household income and notable improvements in public safety.

Prior to his time in Topeka, Pivarnik served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of the Tulsa (Okla.) Regional Chamber and played a key role in the organization’s achievements, including receiving the top industry recognition in 2005, 2008 and 2010.

Said MBACC Board Chairman Patrick Norton: “Matt’s visionary leadership and proven track record makes him the ideal choice to lead our chamber and contribute to our community during a very exciting time.”

Myrtle Beach Mayor Brenda Bethune, a member of the 10-person executive selection committee, echoed praise for Pivarnik’s destination development achievements.

“Matt’s experience in chamber leadership and community building have been instrumental in enhancing metro regions similar to ours," Bethune said. "He has a proven ability for infusing organizations and communities with positive energy, fostering unity and driving strategic initiatives, perfectly aligning with our vision for the future.”

Mike Hagg, retired HTC CEO, chaired the 10-person executive search committee that included many leaders from across the Grand Strand.

Hagg commended Winner Partners, the search firm used to recruit top executives, for presenting a slate of qualified candidates.

“With more than 150 accomplished business leaders from across the country and locally expressing interest in the position, the search process was rigorous,” Hagg said.

Hagg added, “While several stood out, Matt’s experience as a strategic visionary and his passion for community made him the clear choice to drive positive impact for our entire region.”

Pivarnik and his wife, Wendy, will relocate to the Myrtle Beach area in the coming months.

Until then, Tracy Conner will continue serving as interim president and CEO.

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