At the Coastal Conservation League, we are big supporters of responsibly sited solar farms. Unfortunately, we have recently heard a litany of myths from solar opponents, often related to conservation issues. Here are some solar truths to help set the record straight. Truth #1: Solar energy does not take up much land. Despite what you might hear, solar farms do…
As we make our way through the thick of summer in the lowcountry, we find ourselves reflecting back on this time just over a year ago, when we joined forces with St. Helena Island residents to uphold and reinforce the intent of the Cultural Protection Overlay (CPO), a zoning law written by and for the people of St. Helena Island to safeguard…
Ballot breaks laws guiding fair elections, misleads voters Today, Mary Edna Fraser, Glenda Miller, and the Coastal Conversation League, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center, W. Andrew Gowder, Jr., and W. Jefferson Leath, Jr., sued Charleston County to demand that the 2024 sales tax referendum ballot meet the requirements for transparency under South Carolina law. The…
The Coastal Conservation League is in full support of the proposed subdivision moratorium for the unincorporated Charleston County historic settlement communities. While the amendments to the Historic Preservation Ordinance leave these communities vulnerable, a moratorium will offer temporary protection while more permanent safeguards can be put in place. “Refining the Historic Preservation Ordinance tools will enable the County to meet the charge of protecting the character, culture, and way of life in our traditional settlement…
The Back Swamp community needs your help! Next Thursday, July 18, Florence County Council will vote on a rezoning that, if approved, will have long-lasting negative effects on the historic Back Swamp Community. In addition, the integrity of existing protected land is at stake from incompatible development associated with the heavy commercial zoning request. Send an email to tell Florence County Council to deny this rezoning! Florence County, with just 1.7% conserved land, is the lowest…
On Monday, July 15th at 6:00 PM, Jasper County Council will consider updating its zoning code t0 add the Euhaw Okeetee Cultural Heritage Overlay District (ECHOD) as a special purpose district. Additionally, two new categories are proposed for the ECHOD: Rural Preservation-10 and Village Commercial zoning. You can view a map of the proposed changes here. If approved, these zoning improvements would be a…
The I-526 or the “Mark Clark Expressway” is an interstate in Charleston County that runs from West Ashley to Mount Pleasant. Charleston County is proposing to extend the highway from the current terminus at Savannah Highway onto Johns Island and over to James Island to connect to the James Island Connector. This project would displace homes and businesses, destroy over 38 acres of saltwater and freshwater wetlands, impact over 30 acres…
My name is Taylor Allred, and it has been my honor to join the Coastal Conservation League this year as our Energy & Climate Program Director. We are in a dynamic time for energy and climate policy in South Carolina, and I am grateful for the…
Did you know that, according to Science, nearly 1,600 species have been reported to ingest plastics, and that roughly 1,300 of those species are ocean-dwellers? In this July edition of the South Coast newsletter, we’ll talk about plastics in our communities and the effect that they can have on our wildlife, scenic landscapes and waterways, and our ability to manage waste. Updating the single-use plastic ordinance in Beaufort County will help…
