Over the last 35 years, increasing coastal development, rising seas, and storm activity have challenged South Carolina’s beaches. Most recently, longstanding laws under the Beachfront Management Act have also been challenged.
Since 1988, South Carolina has had a framework for managing our state’s beaches in the face of ongoing coastal erosion and storms. In recognition of our beaches’ many benefits–especially their ability to provide public access, tourism opportunities, and habitat–the South Carolina Beachfront Management Act prohibits seawalls because they restrict the natural, dynamic movement of our shorelines. Interfering with the natural processes of our beaches exacerbates erosion, creates hazards for wildlife, impedes public access, and jeopardizes these public trust resources for all.
Thankfully, in July, Governor McMaster removed harmful provisos from the state budget that would have undone longstanding protective laws that prohibit new seawalls on our beaches and undermined the Department of Health and Environmental Control—now known as the Department of Environmental Services—which works to protect beaches.
The Conservation League is thankful for the Governor’s continued leadership in protecting beaches and ensuring state agencies are empowered to perform their basic duties of upholding longstanding laws.
We know seawalls do harm to our beaches, and while they may protect the yard or structures behind them, this comes at the expense of people and wildlife.
Vetoing these provisos makes it clear that South Carolina should not contemplate a future with a walled coastline, but instead prioritize our public beaches for the benefit of all.