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Fluor, SRNS back USC hydrogen research with $1.5 million

February 28, 2011 by

Fluor CEO David Seaton and check symbolizing $1.5 million donation

Hydrogen energy –and its business potential–got a vote of confidence from private industry Monday.

Fluor Corporation and Savannah River Nuclear Solutions gave $1.5 million Monday to fund two endowed chairs and establishing the University of South Carolina’s Center of Economic Excellence for the Hydrogen Economy. The gift represents a university-industry partnership between USC, Fluor, and SRNS to “advance the science, techonology and commercialization of clean, secure, renewable energy and its infrastructure,” the school announced.

AUDIO: Fluor CEO David Seaton says this is a philanthropic donation–and an investment (1:28)

The Centers of Economic Excellence program was launched by the legislature nine years ago. It allows the state’s three public research universities–-USC, MUSC, and Clemson–-to use lottery funds to create research centers aimed at growing the state’s economy into new scientific fields. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Business, Education, Energy, News

Tips to dull the pain at the pump

February 28, 2011 by

Although there seems to be no cure for current gas prices, the South Carolina Department of Consumer Affairs suggest ways that may dull the pain at the pump a bit. Since economists say they don’t know how high gas prices will go, here are tips that may help you get the most of each gallon.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Economy, Energy, News, Transportation

AAA spokesman: International events affecting Americans at the pump

February 28, 2011 by

Over the weekend, gas prices continued to rise. Triple A Carolinas spokesman Tom Crosby says gas went up on average about 20 cents in South Carolina just over the weekend.

It really soared over the weekend because of the stuff in Lybia. We are seeing international events affect us at the pump–painful.

Crosby says he expects the rise to continue.

So much of it is tied to what’s going on in the Mideast. Clearly if that continues, it’s going to drive the price up. It’s going to get worse before it gets better because really all the high price of the barrel of oil really isn’t starting to hit us just yet, but we really haven’t hit the peak. So, it’s going to be bad. [Read more...]

Filed Under: Economy, News, Transportation

Clyburn: Disagreement on what cuts to make

February 28, 2011 by

Congressional lawmakers are making efforts to hammer out a compromise on the U.S. budget as they face a Friday deadline. If an agreement is not reached by then, the government faces a shutdown. Appearing on MSNBC Monday morning, Sixth District Congressman Jim Clyburn says Democrats are not looking for a shutdown, but are seeking alternatives to cuts being pushed by their GOP colleagues.

We don’t want to see FBI agents laid off. We don’t want to see students losing their ability to go to school. What we would like to do is look at some alternatives like some of the oil and gas subsidies that the oil industry tells us they really don’t need and could well do without.

Friday House Republicans presented a proposal to cut $4 billion in federal spending as part of legislation to keep the government operating for two weeks past the March 4 deadline. That was after they originally proposed more than $60 billion in cuts for the year.

Clyburn says Democrats, like Republicans, are serious about making substantial cuts to make a significant dent in the deficit, but there is disagreement on the programs that should be cut or reduced. Clyburn says Democrats do not want a shutdown.

[Read more...]

Filed Under: Economy, News, Politics & Government

Charleston port expands to handle more business

February 28, 2011 by

Port of Charleston

The Port of Charleston has expanded. After a six-month project, the Port of Charleston is now able to handle BMW’s export business, more rolling stock, large machinery, power-generating equipment, and more non-container cargoes. The $22 million project is expected to enhance the use of more than 70 acres of storage yard, as well as adding rail infrastructure.

The State Ports Authority is relocating roll-on and roll-off cargo from the Union Pier Terminal to this newer and larger Columbus Street Terminal so it can better serve automakers. SPA President and CEO Jim Newsome says with the business BMW brings into the port, this relocation will better handle port growth.

Port workers are putting the final touches on the new terminal now.

Filed Under: Business, News, Politics & Government
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