Three Things to Know: June 6th

This week's information compiled by your SC Chamber team includes: 
SCOTUS Limits Scope of Environmental Review on Energy and Infrastructure Projects, Survey Responses Needed to Better Understand Childcare in S.C., Annual Awards Nominations Now Live!

 1. SCOTUS Limits Scope of Environmental Review on Energy and Infrastructure Projects

Last week, the U.S. Supreme Court (SCOTUS) unanimously ruled to limit the scope of environmental review required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for energy and infrastructure projects, hopefully easing what has become a roadblock to growth.

The case stems from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB)’s approval of an 88-mile rail line to carry oil from Utah's Uinta basin to larger rail networks and Gulf Coast refineries, which was challenged under NEPA by local governments and environmental groups despite the STB issuing a comprehensive, 3,600 page environmental impact statement in its approval. The STB’s approval was overturned by U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which ruled that its analysis should have also considered both the potential “upstream” and “downstream” environmental impacts of the project.

In last week’s 8-0 ruling, which reversed the Court of Appeals’ decision, SCOTUS held that “NEPA is a procedural cross-check, not a substantive roadblock. The goal of the law is to inform agency decision making, not to paralyze it. NEPA does not allow courts, “under the guise of judicial review” of agency compliance with NEPA, to delay or block agency projects based on the environmental effects of other projects separate from the project at hand.” SCOTUS held that the Court of Appeals erred in reasoning that the STB, which did not have any decision-making or regulatory authority over the “upstream” or “downstream” projects, should include them in the environmental impact statement (EIS) noting that these separate projects “break the chain of proximate causation.”

More information on the ruling can be found here and here.

2. Survey Responses Needed to Better Understand Childcare in S.C.

We are excited to share the following surveys, created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to better understand childcare and how it impacts the workplace in your communities and across the state. Please provide feedback on this important issue facing the business community by completing the survey that is most applicable to you.

This survey is for employers and aims to gauge changes and advancements in business practices related to childcare: ECBAC Employer Survey (2025)

This survey is for childcare providers and aims to understand your perception of the business community and its role in childcare access: ECBAC Childcare Provider Survey (2025)

The links to the surveys will remain open through August.

3. Annual Awards Nominations Now Live!

In addition to serving as the premier event for South Carolina’s business leaders, bringing together top professionals from across the state with a series of timely program sessions and valuable networking opportunities, the Annual Summit is also where we honor and recognize individuals and organizations for their positive impacts on the Palmetto State.

All of our annual awards are officially LIVE on our website. View all awards here and nominate a deserving individual or company today! See the listing of awards to be presented at the 46th Annual Summit:

2025 Business Leader of the Year

2025 Public Servant of the Year

2025 Sgt. William Jasper Freedom Award

2025 Boeing Veterans Leadership Award

2025 Legislators of the Year Awards

Plus, stay tuned for forthcoming details regarding the 2025 Economic Engagement Award to be announced later this month.

Take advantage of reduced pricing by securing your Annual Summit tickets early. Tickets can be purchased through your SC Chamber membership portal here.