Hotlist: April 28, 2025
Hey friends!
Six more days. That’s all left in this year’s legislative session, and we’re in a full sprint to the finish line, working to keep our conservation priorities moving forward.
South Carolina operates on a two-year legislative cycle, meaning each full session actually spans two years. We’re about to wrap up the first year of the 2025-2026 session. When the session ends next week, any bills that haven’t passed won’t have to start over from scratch; they’ll pick up right where they left off when lawmakers return in January 2026.
But the work doesn’t stop when the gavel falls. Over this summer and fall, we’ll be working to strengthen relationships with legislative champions, build momentum around our key priorities, and prepare for a strong start to the second year. We’ll also be taking stock of what we’ve accomplished so far, identifying where we need to push harder, and ensuring conservation stays front and center when the Statehouse doors open again.
Keep reading for this week’s update on where things stand and what’s next in the final countdown!
H.4050 gains support, but more action is needed
During the Medical, Military, Public and Municipal Affairs Committee (3-M) subcommittee hearing last Tuesday, H.4050, the Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements bill, garnered widespread support from city and county officials, healthcare organizations, and conservation groups during testimony. Unfortunately, committee members adjourned debate, bringing our forward momentum to a halt. We are working hard to build on last week’s strong showing of support and push for another subcommittee hearing before the end of session.
Senate expected to vote on S.288: make your voice heard
S.288, the Transferable Development Rights bill, is heading for a crucial vote on the Senate floor after a successful report in the Judiciary Committee. Time is critical and calls from constituents is the best way to urge senators to help local governments push back against sprawl and overdevelopment. Contact your senator NOW through our Action Center below to ask for their support. Before you call, visit our recent SC Prosper & Preserve blog post to brush up on why Transferable Development Rights would provide a helpful solution for sustainable growth!
Major decisions on House energy bill H.3309 expected this week
The House is expected to take up the Senate version of H.3309 this week after delaying action last week. With limited time remaining in session, the most straightforward path is for the House to concur with the Senate’s improvements or to work with the Senate on minor changes to avoid another protracted fight between the chambers, but we’ll know more soon.
The Senate made thoughtful, targeted changes that strengthen customer protections and environmental safeguards. These changes preserve laws that hold monopoly utilities accountable and protect South Carolina’s air, land, and water. While some differences remain between chambers, the Senate’s version reflects a balanced approach that deserves to move forward.
As mentioned last week, the Senate has paused movement on S.12, a separate bill that authorizes the partnership between Santee Cooper and Dominion Energy on the Canadys Gas Plant. Pausing S.12 preserves negotiating room and keeps attention rightfully focused on comprehensive energy reform via H.3309.
CVSC and partners remain engaged at the Statehouse to ensure the final bill reflects the best outcome for electric customers and our environment, not just profits for big power companies. Thank you for your continued support and tireless engagement on this issue. We’ll keep you updated!
Updates
- Palmetto Leadership Academy
- It’s that time of year again when applications are open for the Palmetto Leadership Academy! The next PLA cohort will take place from August 2025 to May 2026, with one virtual or in-person session per month. During these sessions, fellows will understand key conservation and environmental issues and gain the knowledge, skills, and confidence to navigate public service roles, successfully pursue board and commission appointments, and lead South Carolina toward a sustainable and equitable future. Half of all PLA fellows have already secured positions on boards or commissions across the state! If you’re interested in joining them on the frontlines of conservation leadership, visit cvsc.org/scpla.
- Community Conversation: Canadys Gas Plant
- If you live in Colleton County, we hope you’ll join CVSC and other conservation organizations for a listening session on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:00 pm at the Colleton Memorial Library. Come learn about power companies’ plans for a gas plant and share your thoughts on what you want for your community. Get the details and register here
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.
- Call: Ask Your Senator to Support Transfer of Development Rights 📞
- Email: Ask Your Senator to Support Transfer of Development Rights 📨
In the News
- Proposed law links development approvals to adequate roads, services. ‘Extortion’ say homebuilders. | Post & Courier
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!