Hotlist: April 21, 2025
Hey friends!
The final countdown is on. With fewer than ten legislative days left in the session, things are moving quickly at the Statehouse. And in the spirit of Earth Week, we’re staying focused on what matters most: protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we depend on.
Last week brought important movement, including a successful Judiciary Committee hearing for the Transferable Development Rights bill (S.288) and updates from the Public Utilities Review Committee. This week, we’re watching a subcommittee hearing on Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements and awaiting a key decision on H.3309—all while the Senate enters Budget Week.
It’s a busy time, but we’re ready for it because South Carolina’s future is worth fighting for. Read more for the full update!
Momentum for SC Prosper & Preserve bills
Two key bills in the SC Prosper & Preserve initiative—which aims to equip local governments with the sustainable planning tools they need—are making important moves:
- Last week, S.288 (Transferable Development Rights) received a favorable report in the Judiciary Committee, moving it to the full Senate floor for further discussion.
- This week, H.4050 (Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements) will be receiving a Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (3-M) subcommittee hearing.
Legislators have recognized that these bills would provide a vital step toward more balanced growth in South Carolina, but time is running out. With session coming to a close, it’s important that you visit our Action Center below to urge your legislators to get these bills across the finish line!
PFAS Proviso passes the Senate
Toxic forever chemicals such as PFOS and PFOA, which are linked to cancer and other serious health risks, have been found in drinking water sources across South Carolina. Private well owners and small public waterway systems are often the most vulnerable to contamination and the least equipped to afford costly testing and filtration.
That’s why CVSC helped establish the PFOS, PFOA, and Emerging Contaminants Remediation Fund in 2022 to ensure that every South Carolinian has access to clean, safe drinking water. Thanks to this fund, over 800 wells have already been tested, and those with dangerously high PFAS levels have received filtration assistance.
Last week, the Senate approved an amendment that would free up existing money to ensure the fund can continue to serve South Carolinians well into the future. The next stop: back to the House for its second review of the budget!
Energy bill (H.3309) still awaiting decision from House
With the House back from furlough this week, representatives will likely decide whether to agree with the changes made by the Senate (concur) on H.3309 and send the bill to the Governor or to continue negotiations (nonconcur).
We’re hopeful the House will preserve key Senate changes that ensure strong regulatory oversight and accountability of monopoly utilities, promote common-sense advancements in areas like energy efficiency, and avoid unnecessary barriers to low-cost clean energy sources.
We are continuing conversations with House members this week and will keep you informed if action is needed! Thank you for standing with us as we push for a cleaner, more affordable, and resilient energy future for South Carolina.
S.12 reconsidered by the Senate
In an interesting turn of events, on Tuesday last week, S.12 (the standalone, one-page bill that would authorize Dominion and Santee Cooper to move forward with a new natural gas plant in Canadys, SC) was reconsidered after being read for a third time. A few weeks ago, the Senate passed S.12 during second reading by a 25-18 vote. This reconsideration, however, now prevents the bill from being taken up by the House until it passes a third reading by the Senate.
We applaud the Senate for reconsidering this bill, as it lacks the critical reforms needed to ensure a more affordable, transparent, and sustainable energy future. We’ll continue tracking how this development could shape the final outcome of energy reform this session—stay tuned for ways to stay involved!
Action Center
Here’s a round-up of current actions you can take to help us advance conservation policy during this legislative session. If you’ve already taken these actions, thank you! We’ll add more actions and provide updates as progress unfolds.
- Ask Your Senator to Support Transfer of Development Rights
- Ask Your Representative to Support Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements
Thank You for Powering Our Spring Membership Drive!
Thanks to your incredible support, we surpassed our $5,000 goal during our Spring Membership Drive! Every gift—big or small—makes a real difference in protecting the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the land we depend on.
If you missed the Membership Drive, there’s still time to make an impact! You can support our work through Midlands Gives, now through May 6th. This year’s campaign supports The Palmetto Leadership Academy, our program designed to train emerging conservation leaders with the desire to make a difference for South Carolina’s future.
🔗 Support our Midlands Gives campaign today!
The Legislative Hotlist is an update from our Government Relations Manager, Alan Lee. Sign up for emails to get the Hotlist delivered directly to your inbox!