Energy topic of the day for S.C. Republicans

A morning speech by T. Boone Pickens had South Carolina's delegation discussing energy option.

One member asked about the potential for new sources of oil, such as slate veins in Colorado or Arctic oil sands. Pickens said the former was likely not a possibility, but the rising price of oil makes the second possible.

U.S. Rep. Bob Inglis argued that drilling alone will not solve the country's problems.

"Republicans are very offended by that," Inglis said, later adding that one person he spoke with recently said his solution sounded similar to those of Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama. "Four dollars a gallon should cause us to come together," Inglis said.

U.S. Sen. Jim DeMint said South Carolina should tap natural gas off its coast, using the royalties to pay for health care and other government costs.

Another delegate asked state Rep. Don Bowen, R-Anderson, to introduce a bill to require state vehicles run on natural gas. Bowen said he was interested in the idea.