Home » Hotlist: March 30, 2026

Hotlist: March 30, 2026

We hope you’re doing well, and look forward to seeing many of you tomorrow at the annual South Carolina Conservation Coalition Lobby Day and Oyster Roast.

Last week was relatively quiet for conservation priorities. However, the South Carolina Protected Lands Act, an important bill by Representative Moore (H.5069) codifying state land protection goals, was referred to a new committee, which may help expedite its progress. Also, new bill was introduced in the House to strengthen protections for landowners facing eminent domain related to energy infrastructure. 

Meanwhile, the Senate passed hemp product regulations, the House took up insurance reform, and physician non-compete clauses. The week wrapped up with the House and Senate facing off in their annual legislative softball game, with the House taking the win.

This week features Lobby Day and the Oyster Roast, along with a hearing on Senator Davis’ Data Center Development Act (S.867). Concurrent Infrastructure Requirements (S.227), which would support local governments in managing growth responsibly, is also on the Senate calendar and could be ‘at bat’ next.

Grab your oyster shucker and let’s crack open this week’s Hotlist.

Updates

Land Protection Benchmarks

Rep. Travis Moore’s SC Protected Lands Act (H.5069) was recommitted last week, moving from the Ways & Means Committee to the Agriculture, Natural resources & Environmental Affairs Committee. This means the bill has fresh momentum and we are hopeful that it will receive a subcommittee hearing soon. The bill roughly aligns with Governor McMaster’s land protection vision and sets ambitious official acreage goals for land and water protection in the state. This measurable benchmark will be invaluable as we work to protect 10 million acres of land. This bill is an important step toward reshaping how South Carolina approaches land protection and we are excited to see it moving.

Data center legislation update 

While a Senate Judiciary subcommittee hearing on Senator Rankin’s data center bill (S.902) was scheduled last week, it was canceled due to the extended hemp debate.

Tomorrow, the Senate Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee will take up Senator Davis’ proposal (S.867), with a hearing on S.902 likely to be rescheduled soon. With multiple subcommittee hearings on both bills, we expect to see both subcommittees amend and advance their respective proposals, and key differences resolved on the Senate floor in the coming weeks.

CVSC and partners support the shared goal of establishing guardrails for data center development, but have proposed amendments to address gaps and loopholes, ensuring that the final legislation effectively protects electric customers, local communities, and our state’s natural resources.

We are encouraged that many Senators share these concerns and want strong, effective protections. While the Senate seems poised to act, we have not seen movement in the House this year on data center legislation. This is why it’s essential for constituents to contact both their Senator and House member to ensure meaningful safeguards are put in place this legislation session. Visit our Action Center to urge action on effective  data center guardrails!

New legislation targets fairness in utility eminent domain use

As we see billions of dollars in proposed energy infrastructure projects like power plants, pipelines, and transmission lines emerge to meet growing electricity needs in our state, an increasing number of landowners find themselves at risk as part of these projects. Similar to how private property can be taken for roads and highways, public utilities are also granted this power of eminent domain.

This process can be complex and, at times, unfair. With significant new development underway, stronger protections are needed to ensure transparency, safeguarding of property rights, and assurance that communities have a meaningful voice while minimizing environmental impacts.

We appreciate Representative Haddon’s introduction of H.5445, which strengthens these protections. The bill requires advance written notice when utilities seek to acquire property through eminent domain and prohibits false or deceptive statements to landowners. These provisions improve transparency and help ensure landowners are treated fairly.

Implementation of 2025 energy law begins: Duke implements ‘automatic rate increases’ under Act 41

As provisions from last year’s energy law (Act 41) begin to take effect, Duke Energy Progress has filed to use the Rate Stabilization Act, the automatic rate adjustment mechanism authorized by the legislation. The filing proposes a roughly 6.25% increase for residential customers, about $10 per month. Combined with a 7.8% increase earlier this year, residential rates could rise by nearly 15% in less than a year.

During the energy bill discussions last year, CVSC and partners warned that, despite the Rate Stabilization Act being presented as a way to avoid large rate hikes, the law does not require these increases to be small or gradual. This filing reflects that concern.

The request will be reviewed by the Public Service Commission and the Office of Regulatory Staff, with limited input from outside experts and no public hearing. The review will focus primarily on compliance with the law’s accounting framework, and the increase is expected to take effect in August.

CVSC and partners are working with lawmakers to highlight the real-world impacts of this provision of Act 41 and the gap between how it was presented and how it is being used. Other utilities, including Duke Energy Carolinas and Dominion, also have this authority but have not yet elected to use it.

We will continue to advocate for reforms to protect customers, including caps on rate increases outside of full-rate cases and safeguards during economic downturns. This filing underscores the need for action to keep electricity affordable and ensure monopoly utilities do not misuse this state-granted authority.

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.

Events

SCCC Lobby Day & Oyster Roast  | TOMORROW, March 31, 10:30 am & 5:30 pm

Join CVSC and over 50 conservation organizations for a full day of speaking with lawmakers to help advance environmental policies, followed by a celebration of our collective progress that evening.

In the News

The Legislative Hotlist is a weekly update from CVSC’s Senior Vice President of Policy & Government Relations, John Brooker. Sign up for emails to get the Hotlist delivered directly to your inbox!

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