CVSC Announces 2023 Green Tie Award Recipients Honoring Leaders in Environmental Advocacy
COLUMBIA, S.C.—The much-anticipated Green Tie Awards Luncheon returns to celebrate the outstanding efforts of civic and elected leaders in the South Carolina General Assembly and their communities, who have displayed an unwavering commitment to safeguarding our state’s air, land, and water.
The Green Tie Awards Luncheon, hosted by Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC), aims to recognize and celebrate the exemplary work of leaders dedicated to advancing environmental justice and conservation policy across the state. This year’s event will bestow five awards to honorees, reflecting their significant contributions. The esteemed honorees and their respective awards are as follows:
- House Conservation Leadership Award: Representative Patricia Henegan (D-Marlboro)
Representative Patricia Henegan has demonstrated unparalleled leadership in ensuring every South Carolinian benefits from a clean and healthy environment. Through her advocacy, she has championed initiatives promoting safe drinking water and has played a pivotal role in preserving historical and cultural landmarks, such as building a Rosenwald State Park Network. CVSC is delighted to recognize Representative Henegan’s invaluable contributions.
- House Conservation Leadership Award: Representative Phillip Lowe (R-Florence)
Representative Phillip Lowe’s commitment to protecting South Carolina’s air, land, and water has been nothing short of outstanding. His work has led to the allocation of record levels of land protection funding and has been instrumental in advancing state efforts to double the amount of protected land and water across the region. CVSC takes great pride in honoring Representative Lowe for his exceptional dedication.
- Senate Conservation Leadership Award: Senator Gerald Malloy (D-Darlington)
Senator Gerald Malloy has shown consistent dedication to ensure citizens’ right to live in a clean and safe environment. He has advocated for advancing clean energy solutions throughout the Palmetto State and has fought to prevent offshore drilling. Additionally, Senator Malloy has provided robust support to land protection efforts. CVSC is thrilled to recognize Senator Malloy’s invaluable contributions to environmental advocacy.
- Senate Conservation Leadership Award: Senator Scott Talley (R-Spartanburg)
Senator Scott Talley has a distinguished tenure from his House membership starting in 2001, followed by his service in the Senate since 2017. Senator Talley’s commitment to the betterment of our state is evident in his conservation scores and leadership. This year, Senator Talley was instrumental in introducing a landmark piece of legislation, the Energy Independence and Risk Reduction Act, which continues and builds on the legacy of the Energy Freedom Act to modernize and diversify our energy grid. CVSC recognizes Senator Talley’s service and dedication to our clean energy future, making him well deserving of this honor. - Green Tie Award for Lifetime Conservation Achievement: Chief Pete Parr of the Pee Dee Indian Tribe
Throughout his lifetime, Chief Pete Parr has fought tirelessly to improve the social, economic, educational, and general welfare of the Pee Dee people. He has partnered and collaborated with the conservation community as part of this work. Chief Parr has been a champion for protecting forests, wetlands, and rivers, lending support to land protection efforts, speaking out for climate justice, working to restore native plants and eliminate invasive species, and engaging in efforts to improve water quality and eliminate toxic chemicals from drinking water. As Chief of the Pee Dee Indian Tribe, his focus on conservation and collaboration has profoundly impacted addressing energy burden, climate action, and environmental justice. CVSC is honored to recognize Chief Parr for his legacy of environmental advocacy.
“We are proud to acknowledge the remarkable work of these individuals who have gone above and beyond in their efforts to protect our environment and preserve the health and well-being of our communities,” said John Tynan, President of CVSC. “Their dedication to protecting the South Carolina we love sets a shining example for us all, and we are honored to celebrate their accomplishments.”
The 2023 Green Tie Awards Luncheon will occur on Wednesday, September 20th, at historic 701 Whaley in Columbia. This celebratory event will not only recognize the achievements of these distinguished honorees but will also foster a collaborative environment, bringing together leaders from various spheres to inspire further actions that protect South Carolina’s natural landscape and safeguard the health and well-being of our communities.
For more information, including sponsorship opportunities and tickets to the event, please visit cvsc.org/greentie.
