On Friday, the federal government announced its approval for use of sonic cannons to search for oil and gas in the Atlantic Ocean, from Delaware to Florida. Sonic cannons blast loud noises underwater, disturbing marine mammals, including the endangered North American Right Whale. This method of exploration has serious impacts, and it is the first step to drilling off our coast.

Clean energy sources like solar and wind are becoming mainstream in South Carolina. The Aiken Standard, in an editorial published yesterday, noted that conservationists and the S.C. Department of Commerce can find common ground on clean energy jobs in South Carolina. CVSC Program Director Alan Hancock pointed out, "There are companies that are coming in that are trying to meet corporate goals for sustainability. In order to achieve those goals, they need state policies that are supportive of clean energies like solar and wind."