Lawmakers Return Tomorrow
As mentioned in last week’s legislative update, the South Carolina legislature will return tomorrow to pass the state’s continuing resolution and the sine die resolution. These resolutions will allow them to keep the state moving forward with the adoption of last Year’s budget, address COVID-19 resource needs, and identify what key issues they’ll focus on in a special session in the fall.
We’re particularly interested in how the legislature will craft reforms and management needs for Santee Cooper for the rest of the Year. We’ll be watching for a commitment to clean energy and looking towards more discussion in January 2021.
We will be watching this remotely as nonessential personnel will not be allowed in the statehouse. You can join us by tuning in here.
Webinar and Podcast Recordings
We hope that you have been able to join us in our ongoing webinar series with our partners in the Conservation Coalition. Last week, we discussed commercial composting and solid waste policy in our state. If you missed it, click here to listen to a great conversation on how South Carolina deals with garbage in our homes and in our businesses. Be sure to also tune into the Public Concern podcast this week for more discussion on recent news and composting!
Rain Garden Webinar – Tuesday: We have two webinars on the schedule for this week! The first one is tomorrow on runoff and rain gardens with the Gills Creek Watershed Association at 12:30 pm. As we spend more time in our yards, this is great timing! Click here to register.
Shoreline Protection Webinar – Thursday: Then on Thursday, May 14th at 2:30 pm, we’ll discuss the growing threats to our state’s treasured shoreline focusing on the science and legal side of coastal protections. Register for Shoreline Issues: Past, Present and Future now. You don’t want to miss this.
CVSC Movie Club – Thursday: Also on Thursday, May 14th, the CVSC field team invites you to the next meeting of the Movie Club, where we’ll be watching the VICE mini-documentary, The Future of Energy. Afterwards, we’ll have an informal discussion on the impact energy has on climate change. Grab your favorite snack or beverage and get ready for a fun conversation! RSVP here.
Hands Across the Sand – Saturday: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this Year’s Hands Across the Sand will be held virtually on Saturday, May 16th at 12 noon. Click here to register for their live Facebook event.
In The News
In an op-ed that appeared in The State newspaper a couple of weeks ago, a pro-drilling advocate characterized offshore drilling opponents as “anti-energy advocates.” We know that you agree with us when we say that is just not true. In fact, along with the South Carolina Conservation Coalition, we have been a leading voice for moving from fossil fuel extraction to clean energy development in South Carolina.
That’s why we are grateful that Representative Wendy Brawley had the courage to highlight the need to protect our beautiful beaches in a response op-ed that appeared in The State newspaper last weekend. In the article, Representative Brawley stated, “those of us who oppose drilling and support clean energy growth only want what’s best for South Carolina.” We agree with Representative Brawley. Click here to read her entire editorial.
It’s efforts like these that have kept offshore drilling off of our coast – moving South Carolina in the right direction. But, there’s still much work to do. That’s why CVSC is committed to actively participating in the clean energy movement.
We thank you for continuing to engage our state leaders on the importance of investing in clean energy resources. Lending your voice, especially during these times, will create a clean energy future for all in South Carolina.