Hotlist: January 21, 2025
Hey friends!
The Greek writer Aesop once said, “Slow and steady wins the race.” But after the first week of the 126th South Carolina General Assembly, we would love to ask him what “fast and chaotic” means because that’s exactly how it felt! Luckily, our team at CVSC was more than ready to tackle the whirlwind of events.
The General Assembly officially returned to work last Tuesday, setting the stage for an action-packed week.
Senate Briefing: Conversations with Conservationists
The conservation community kicked off session at the SC Conservation Coalition’s annual Senate Briefing. This event highlighted conservation priorities that will benefit South Carolinians across the state. CVSC’s Land, Water, and Ocean Project Manager, Zach Bjur, presented two key land-use policies we’re championing this session: Transferable Development Rights (TDR) and Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements. These policies aim to improve sustainable planning to guide growth in a way that strengthens our communities and protects what we love about our state.
Some additional legislative priorities discussed by our partners were a just transition to clean energy and ensuring clean waterways in South Carolina. We can’t wait to see the amazing work our partners accomplish this session!
A Big Step for Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements
Senator Tom Davis started this session off strong when he officially introduced S.227, the Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements Bill. This legislation will help ensure infrastructure keeps pace with development, addressing a critical issue for sustainable growth in South Carolina. Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements would incentivize developers to build where infrastructure already exists, promoting infill development and pushing back against sprawl. Read further for ways you can help move this legislation forward.
Fighting a Dangerous Energy Bill… Again
On the second day of session, the House Labor, Commerce, and Industry’s Public Utilities Subcommittee met to discuss H.3309—proving that the General Assembly is committed to addressing South Carolina’s growing need for energy generation. As currently written, CVSC staunchly opposes this bill, which poses serious threats to South Carolina’s ratepayers and the environment.
Thank you to all who took action, attended, and spoke against H.3309! Dozens of advocates showed up to voice their concerns to subcommittee members, with hours of testimony and two overflow rooms filled with concerned citizens. Your voice matters, and committee members shared during the hearing that they intend to change the bill.
On the energy front, things are also heating up in the Senate. There will be two hearings on energy issues this Wednesday, January 22nd. The Senate Judiciary Subcommittee is considering three smaller energy bills, including S.51, which explores a potential reboot of the abandoned VC Summer nuclear power units by private industries; S.157, which changes how utilities will deal with storm costs from Hurricane Helene; and S.12, a standalone bill by Senator Rankin that allows our state-owned utility, Santee Cooper, to partner with private utilities. Meanwhile, the Senate Special Committee is reconvening to discuss an energy reform package revolving around “solutions for large energy users”. We’ll have more information soon.
Looking Ahead
While Aesop may have championed “slow and steady,” he also said, “It’s thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.” At CVSC, we’re prepared for whatever challenges—and opportunities—come our way this session.
Updates
- Energy
- The House is moving quickly on the same dangerous energy bill we fought last year, now called H.3309. If you haven’t already, please urge your legislator to protect customers and the environment by removing the harmful provisions that roll back regulatory and environmental protections! We have heard from members of the subcommittee that the next hearing could be slated for January 28th, so stay tuned!
- Land, Water, Ocean
- Last week, Senator Tom Davis introduced a Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements Bill (S.227)! Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with development by requiring developers to fund infrastructure improvements that their developments necessitate. Now we need to encourage other Senators to join Sen. Davis in fighting for this important land-use tool! Ask your Senator to co-sponsor S.227!
- Events
- Conservation on Tap in Greenville | Join the CVSC team tomorrow, January 22nd, from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm at Liability Brewing in Greenville to meet other conservation-minded people, learn more about how you can advocate on local and statewide environmental issues, and unwind while supporting a great cause. Register here!
- Partnerships
- Lobby Day & Oyster Roast | Join the SCCC–a statewide alliance of over 40 conservation organizations–on Tuesday, February 25th, for the annual Lobby Day and Oyster Roast! Make your voice heard at the Statehouse, connect with elected officials, and celebrate conservation with fellow advocates and partners. To find more details and register, click 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 things unfold.
- Ask your Senator to co-sponsor S.227 for Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements
- Send a Message to Your Rep. to Protect Customers and the Environment from H.3309
- Ask your legislator to put conservation on the agenda
In the News
Scuttled energy plan revived as SC seeks more power. Ratepayers at risk, critics say | The State
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!