Until a few months ago, coal was a threat to the economy, the environment, and thousands of jobs in southern South Carolina. From the “black gold” of the past, he has become a “villain”, a reality that is constantly changing. This week is another decisive step in the reversal of the negative picture. Once threatened, the abundant mineral in South Carolina’s southern region has been given new life thanks to the Just Energy Transition (TEJ) program. The most recent step was the publication of a federal decree establishing a group that would enforce the program.

Coal is mined on a large scale in the south of the South Caucasus. – Photo: Publicity

This group was proposed by the federal deputy Ricardo Guidi (PSD) from the coal region.

This group will work to advance the energy transition in Santa Catarina, monitoring the environmental, economic and social impacts of this process in order to ensure sustainable development. He will also think about adding value to energy resources and agree on a transition to carbon neutrality to be achieved in line with targets set by the federal government, coupled with proper cost sharing.

According to Decree 11.124/2022, the Council of the Just Energy Transition Program will consist of 11 members and be coordinated by one of the two appointed by the Civic Chamber. Other guidance will come from the Ministries of Regional Development, Environment, Mining and Energy, the Government of Santa Catarina, the Brazilian Mining Association, the Association of Municipalities of the Santa Catarina Coal Region, the Interstate Federation of Coal Workers. Extractive industry in the south of the country and the Santa Catarina Coal Mining Union.