Interview: Alan Lee Discusses CVSC’s Legislative Priorities
This month, we heard from Alan Lee, CVSC’s Government Relations Manager, about our 2025 legislative priorities. Alan plays a key role in advancing policies that protect South Carolina’s natural resources while advocating for equitable solutions that benefit all communities. Read on to learn more about CVSC’s upcoming work at the Statehouse and how you can help make a difference!
Q: Hey Alan! CVSC is known for its dynamic approach to conservation, blending, policy, politics, and partnerships to advance meaningful change. As a member of our government relations team, can you share how your work helps advance CVSC’s mission?
A: Great question. In South Carolina, state-wide decisions are essentially made in one place–the Statehouse–so that’s where I spend my days during session. To advance meaningful state-wide conservation policy, it’s important to communicate why effective conservation policy is in the best interest of all South Carolinians. As Government Relations Manager, I spend my time building trust with legislators, relaying conservation concerns and priorities, and strategizing on how best to pass legislation or change it for the better.
Q: After a landmark year in 2024 with a successful campaign to stop H.5118, can you expand on CVSC’s legislative priorities for 2025 and how they aim to protect South Carolina’s natural resources and champion healthier communities?
A: South Carolina is changing fast. We all see it—more traffic, more development, and landscapes that look a lot different than they did just a few years ago. How and where our state grows matters, so we’re focused on key policies that will shape South Carolina’s communities for years to come. Land use and water protection are topics that we’ve been working to address for years, and I hope the 2025 session will present opportunities to drive these initiatives to the forefront of the legislature.
I also expect that we’ll continue our fight for clean water and energy. We always aim to have a positive impact on community health, safety, and well-being, which we can accomplish by ensuring clean drinking water and a just transition to an energy future powered by renewables. Our recent successes, securing funding to clean up toxic forever chemicals and stopping a dangerous energy bill, make me hopeful that legislators will continue to support this work.
Q: Advocacy plays a big role in CVSC’s efforts. What opportunities are there for supporters to get involved in pushing these priorities forward?
A: I love this question because supporters are at the heart of our efforts. As such, we have some essential tools for our supporters to make a difference at the Statehouse. First, we encourage everyone to read our Legislative Hotlist (you can find this in your inbox or on our website weekly once session begins). These updates will inform you about the most up-to-date dealings in the Statehouse and any opportunities to get involved.
Your input matters! When speaking with legislators, one of the first questions I’m always asked is, “What do my constituents think?” As a South Carolinian, your voice and story can have a huge impact on legislators’ decisions. I encourage you to try to get to know your legislators and help them understand the issues you care about and why. If you don’t know where to start, don’t worry. That’s what the policy and government relations team at CVSC is for!
Q: The legislative process can be challenging. What keeps you motivated in this work?
A: Honestly, a couple of things keep my motivational train moving along… First, the ability to effect meaningful change keeps me motivated. Our work at CVSC is incredible–we’re movers and shakers in the legislative and conservation world. The other thing that keeps me motivated is our incredible staff. I’ve had the opportunity to learn from true professionals and people at the top of their fields. Our staff is full of brainiacs who care deeply about their roles and our organization’s mission in South Carolina. This commitment to excellence keeps me motivated!
2025 will be another exciting, jam-packed year, and I look forward to making conservation a top priority at the Statehouse with my amazing teammates at CVSC. I hope you’ll join us in this crucial work, and have some fun with us along the way!