South Carolina Legislators Cut the Rules on Regulators

In Columbia, South Carolina’s lawmakers are pushing a new plan that would shrink the power of state agencies. They argue that less oversight will speed up business and help the economy grow, especially as the state looks to build more data centers for artificial intelligence. The governor wants new small nuclear reactors and a revival of an unfinished plant to supply power for these centers. Those projects could raise electricity bills and strain the environment. The bill, called the Small Business Regulatory Freedom Act, is part of a broader conservative effort to remove state controls on work places and the environment. It would require that any regulation costing more than a million dollars be examined by lawmakers. If it passes, the rule would only last for a set period unless lawmakers renew it. The move comes after a federal deregulation proposal that would have done the same failed in the Senate. State lawmakers say they want to keep “unelected bureaucrats” from imposing rules on people, according to the House speaker. Critics worry that cutting oversight could hurt public safety and environmental protections.The new law would also shift the balance of power. Agencies that currently create regulations for businesses and communities would lose authority, while legislators would take on the role of approving or rejecting those rules. The plan is intended to give businesses more flexibility, but it also means that workers and residents could see fewer safeguards. The debate reflects a larger national trend. Across the country, some states are moving toward lighter regulation in hopes of attracting companies and boosting jobs. Others argue that strong oversight is essential for protecting health, safety, and the environment. The outcome of this legislation will shape South Carolina’s future. If it passes, businesses may find it easier to expand and invest in new technology, but the state will also need to watch closely how this affects its communities and natural resources.