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Richland County proclaims Sept. 24 as Energy Justice Day; statewide coalition urges equitable energy policies
Summary
Council recognized Sept. 24 as Richland County Energy Justice Day. Shane Kinlock, executive director of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition, told council the proclamation aims to raise awareness of disproportionately high energy burdens and encourage local engagement on energy equity.
Richland County Council on Sept. 16 proclaimed Sept. 24, 2025, as Richland County Energy Justice Day, a recognition sponsored by Council member Lisonbee Teratio and supported by the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition.
Shane Kinlock, identified in the meeting as executive director of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition, addressed council after the proclamation. Kinlock described the coalition as a statewide collective of more than 85 organizations and said the proclamation is intended to raise awareness about the disproportionate energy burdens faced by low-income, rural and vulnerable communities in the county. Kinlock told council that energy affordability and reliability affect students, seniors on fixed incomes, people who rely on medical equipment and small businesses, and said the day will “inspire conversations, solutions, and collaborations” across Richland County.
Why it matters: county-level proclamations do not change law but can signal local government priorities and help community groups raise awareness and organize events.
Details from the presentation
- The proclamation text, as read at the meeting, defines energy burden as the percentage of household income spent on energy costs and cites barriers that energy inequities create, including housing instability and health risks.
- The document recognizes the work of the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition and local partners to promote affordable, abundant, reliable and clean energy and to support small businesses by stabilizing energy costs.
- Kinlock thanked Council member Lisonbee Teratio and council for support and said the proclamation is more than symbolic: it is a step to encourage local conversations and joint solutions.
Speakers and attribution
- Shane Kinlock, executive director, South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition (presenter) - Council member Lisonbee Teratio (proclamation sponsor)
What’s next: the proclamation encourages residents to attend local events on Sept. 24 and to engage with coalition activities; council did not take a separate policy vote tied to the proclamation at this meeting.
