FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 13, 2006

Contact: Wendy Willis, 864.704.2105 or Rod Funderburk, 803.781.6544

Columbia, SC — In response to high U.S. energy costs, a broad-based group of South Carolina consumers today announced the formation of South Carolina Consumers Alliance for Energy Security, a group committed to expanding access to U.S. energy supplies on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). The group is an affiliate of the Consumer Alliance for Energy Security.

"The average South Carolinian has seen their natural gas bill more than double during the past five years," said energy expert Rod Funderburk. "It is a major crisis and that is why we are announcing the formation of South Carolina Consumers Alliance for Secure Energy."

The Alliance is a broad-based coalition of consumers united to reduce energy cost for business and family. "We have formed this group to encourage Congress to act quickly to increase the domestic supply of natural gas," says Funderburk.

"South Carolina Farm Bureau, along with the American Farm Bureau, has long supported a strong energy policy," says Larry McKenzie, South Carolina Farm Bureau Federation.  "Farmers rely on affordable natural gas as a feedstock for fertilizer. We also use it for powering our farm equipment, and processing our products.  Thus, it is vital for all farmers that we bring down the cost of natural gas. The solution is to increase the supply of domestic natural gas."

Greenville businessman, Rob Hall, owner of General Equipment and Supply, said energy prices have increased astronomically since 2000: "It's just like your family budget. If you are forced to pay more for one thing, you have to neglect another. Right now, many businesses cannot expand their workforce or increase research and development because that money is gobbled up by the natural gas bills."

Suzie Foley, Executive Director of the Greenville Free Medical Clinic, calls her natural gas bill heartbreaking""  "Monies that would normally be spent caring for patients are instead being used to pay the gas bill. It's frustrating. Something has to be done."

Americans pay more for natural gas heating than any other nation. (see www.secureourenergy.com) The high prices are directly caused by a massive shortage of natural gas. The only way to bring cost down is to increase supply.

This is an issue that needs to be addressed immediately. "The time is now. We literally can't afford to wait," said Rob Hall. "Additional energy supplies are the key to a strong and vibrant South Carolina."

"There is an abundance of natural gas in the U.S. that is not being used," said Funderburk, "it is imperative that we encourage Congress to take action to safely retrieve deep-sea natural gas in an environmentally-sound fashion."

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Editor’s Note: For more information, contact:
Craig G. Veith
(703) 717-9816
craig.veith@craigveith.com