MORNING HEADLINES | S.C. House Republicans used an obscure procedural move to revive a controversial energy restructuring bill that stalled in the Senate, a changeup that could put some mental health legislation at risk with only four days left in the legislative session.

Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee Chairman Rep. Bill Sandifer , R-Seneca, recently moved to amend five pieces of unrelated legislation by adding 34,000 words of an energy package that would impact nearly every aspect of how the state vets new sources of power and expansions, according to reports.

The package allows utility companies like Dominion Energy and the state-owned Santee Cooper to collaborate on a controversial proposed natural gas plant in Colleton County. It also includes proposals to cut the size of the Public Service Commission and rewrite the appeals process to give the S.C. Supreme Court the final say on any contested projects. The bill also includes changes critics say could greatly limit the solar energy industry, and fast-track new pipeline developments without sufficient environmental review.

The five amended bills previously passed the Senate by wide margins and have nothing to do with energy policy, with topics ranging from resolutions to honor a deceased pastor to improving suicide prevention measures and code changes allowing firefighters with cancer to access some health insurance benefits.

CP NEWS: Dominion to remove 519 palmettos on Sullivan’s Island . Dominion Energy is planning to cut down 519 palmetto trees on Sullivan’s Island in its continuing effort to keep area power lines clear of what it calls hazardous vegetation.

CP NEWS: Charleston police make arrest in fatal hit-and-run accident . Charleston police on Wednesday arrested Max David Gentilin, 25, of Charleston, in connection with an April 28 hit-and-run accident that killed two 20-year-old Upstate women on Morrison Drive near the on-ramp to the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge.

CP OPINION: Murphy, Sheffey: IAAM’s Center for Family History is a big deal for everyone . “The Center for Family History at the International African American Museum serves as a beacon of exploration and discovery, offering a formidable platform for individuals to delve into the rich tapestry of their genealogy. “

Advocacy groups protest Moms for Liberty fundraiser in Mount Pleasant . Defense of Democracy and local advocacy groups protested a Moms for Liberty fundraising event in Mount Pleasant on Wednesday.

Charleston County Board of Elections to take authority over city elections . Charleston County election officials are taking the first steps at taking full authority over municipal elections at Thursday’s County Council meeting.

Mount Pleasant road project off the ground four years after initial proposals . Mount Pleasant residents may soon see some traffic relief in the U.S. Highway 17 and Rifle Range Road area thanks to some coming developments.

S.C. gas pipeline operator seeks rate hike, potentially inflating power bills . South Carolina’s biggest pipeline player, Carolina Gas Transmission, wants a 85% increase in the price it charges utilities to supply natural gas, a move that could cost consumers.

DHEC accepting requests for PFAS testing in well water . After recent announcements from state and federal officials regarding so-called ‘forever chemicals,” how do private well owners in South Carolina go about testing for PFAS compounds?

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