Myrtle Beach, SC, January 29, 2026
The South Carolina Supreme Court has granted clearance for the construction of a new natural gas pipeline that will enhance energy reliability and promote growth in the Grand Strand, including Myrtle Beach. This decision resolves previous regulatory challenges and is expected to facilitate economic development in the region, reviving stalled construction projects and boosting small businesses that depend on reliable energy infrastructure.
WHAT’S HAPPENING
What’s the big news for energy in Myrtle Beach?
A recent South Carolina Supreme Court decision has cleared the way for a new natural gas pipeline, promising enhanced energy reliability and significant growth opportunities for the Grand Strand.
What exactly did the Supreme Court decide?
On January 28, 2026, the South Carolina Supreme Court affirmed an administrative law court’s order, granting Dominion Energy the necessary water quality certification to build the new natural gas pipeline.
Who is building this new pipeline and where will it go?
Dominion Energy will construct the 14.5-mile, 16-inch “Pamplico Pipeline,” extending from the Florence area directly into the Grand Strand, including Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and Horry County.
How will this pipeline help the local economy?
The pipeline is expected to boost significant economic growth by creating construction jobs, increasing demand for local businesses, and providing a reliable energy source crucial for supporting residential and commercial expansion.
Why was this decision so important for new construction?
This ruling resolves a key regulatory obstacle that contributed to a pause in natural gas provisions for new construction in the greater Myrtle Beach area in fall 2024, enabling renewed development and economic momentum.
Myrtle Beach, SC
Energy Boost for the Grand Strand: Supreme Court Paves Way for New Gas Pipeline
A recent South Carolina Supreme Court decision has cleared a significant path for the construction of a new natural gas pipeline, promising enhanced energy reliability and new opportunities for business and community growth across the Grand Strand, including Myrtle Beach.
For entrepreneurs and residents alike, reliable infrastructure is the bedrock of a thriving economy. The recent ruling by the South Carolina Supreme Court on January 28, 2026, represents a crucial step forward, resolving long-standing regulatory hurdles and paving the way for a vital energy asset to serve the region. This development underscores the importance of efficient regulatory processes in fostering an environment where Myrtle Beach SC business can flourish, where small businesses can expand, and where communities can confidently plan for the future.
The decision is poised to unlock new potential, addressing a challenge that has seen natural gas provisions for new construction in the greater Myrtle Beach area paused in fall of 2024, impacting development and economic momentum. With this legal clarity, the region anticipates a renewed period of building and enterprise, reflecting the resilience and innovative spirit characteristic of South Carolina entrepreneurs.
The South Carolina Supreme Court’s Decision
On January 28, 2026, the South Carolina Supreme Court issued a ruling that affirmed an administrative law court’s order. This decision granted the necessary water quality certification for Dominion Energy to obtain a federal permit to construct a natural gas pipeline. The case, known as Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League v. South Carolina Department of Environmental Services (SCDES) and Dominion Energy, has concluded a significant legal challenge, allowing the project to move forward.
A New Artery of Energy
The pipeline project involves the construction of a new gas line extending from the Florence area directly into the Grand Strand, encompassing Myrtle Beach, North Myrtle Beach, and the wider Horry County area. Dominion Energy will be responsible for installing this vital infrastructure, officially known as the River Neck to Grand Strand 16-inch Gas Main, also referred to as the Pamplico Pipeline. This new 14.5-mile, 16-inch natural gas pipeline is designed to run parallel to an existing Dominion Energy pipeline, providing increased capacity and flexibility to meet current and anticipated customer energy needs.
Addressing Past Stalls in Development
The resolution of this legal dispute is particularly significant for the Myrtle Beach small business sector and the broader construction industry. In fall of 2024, the provision of natural gas to new construction projects in the greater Myrtle Beach area experienced a pause, leading to concerns about stalled business growth along the Grand Strand. This Supreme Court ruling removes a key regulatory obstacle that contributed to those delays, offering a clear path forward for developers and businesses that rely on natural gas for their operations and new projects.
Economic Growth and Community Benefits
The new gas pipeline is expected to be a catalyst for significant economic growth in the region. Such infrastructure projects typically generate a substantial boost to local economies during both the construction and operational phases. The construction efforts alone will create employment opportunities for skilled laborers, engineers, and support staff, often drawing from the local workforce. Beyond direct job creation, local businesses, from hardware stores supplying materials to eateries catering to workers, are likely to see increased demand.
Once operational, the pipeline will offer an additional, reliable source of energy for the Myrtle Beach area. This enhanced energy infrastructure is crucial for supporting residential and commercial expansion, ensuring that new homes and businesses have access to the natural gas they need. Furthermore, local counties benefit from the taxes levied on pipeline facilities, contributing to public services and infrastructure.
Key Features of the New Gas Pipeline
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Ruling Date | January 28, 2026 | State-level |
| Ruling Body | South Carolina Supreme Court | State-level |
| Pipeline Name(s) | River Neck to Grand Strand 16-inch Gas Main, Pamplico Pipeline | State-level |
| Company Responsible | Dominion Energy | State-level |
| Origin Location | Florence area | State-level |
| Destination Location | Grand Strand (Myrtle Beach/North Myrtle Beach/Horry County area) | State-level |
| Pipeline Length | 14.5 miles | State-level |
| Pipeline Diameter | 16 inches | State-level |
| Purpose | Provide additional energy source and capacity for customer needs | State-level |
| Prior Issue Addressed | Pause of natural gas to new construction in fall of 2024 | State-level |
| Case Name | Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League v. SCDES and Dominion Energy | State-level |
Fostering a Pro-Growth Environment
The successful navigation of regulatory processes, culminating in this Supreme Court decision, highlights the critical role of clear and consistent legal frameworks in fostering economic development. For communities like Myrtle Beach, ensuring that essential infrastructure projects can proceed without undue delay is paramount to supporting Myrtle Beach SC business and encouraging private investment. This outcome allows the market to respond to energy demands, empowering businesses and residents with greater certainty and more options.
Looking Ahead for Myrtle Beach
With the legal framework now firmly in place, the Grand Strand is poised for a new chapter of development and energy security. This pipeline represents more than just a conduit for natural gas; it symbolizes the resolution of challenges that can impede progress and the renewed opportunity for growth driven by innovation and thoughtful infrastructure planning. As construction advances, residents and businesses can anticipate a more robust energy supply, supporting everything from new home construction to the expansion of commercial enterprises.
The Supreme Court’s decision is a testament to the persistent efforts to ensure our region has the resources it needs for continued prosperity. We encourage all residents and local businesses to stay engaged in Myrtle Beach’s economic future and to explore the opportunities this enhanced infrastructure will bring to our vibrant community.
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Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
