Wednesday, December 4, 2024
When single-use plastic bags were banned in the City of Charleston in 2018, many locally owned businesses made the switch to non-plastic alternatives like paper. But some big-box chain stores took advantage of an unknown loophole and began offering thick plastic bags.
Thick plastic bags, like the one pictured below, are often advertised as reusable, making them allowable under the ordinance. Despite being advertised…
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
The Conservation League played a leading role in preventing the passage of omnibus energy legislation that would fast-track the development of a massive, multi-billion-dollar gas-fired power plant and undermine regulatory oversight of electric and gas utilities.
Put simply, this bill is bad for ratepayers. It’s bad for our land, waterways, and vulnerable communities, as well as for our transition to cleaner energy sources.
House Bill 5118 would also essentially direct the Public Service Commission–our state’s energy…
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
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…
Wednesday, December 4, 2024
For years, we’ve advocated for coastal management that balances nesting habitat with outdoor recreation. Colonial nesting seabirds–such as brown pelicans, black skimmers, and various species of terns–require specific habitats and features to raise their young. In South Carolina, Deveaux Bank is one of only six places that can support substantial colonies…
Friday, November 8, 2024
Public Service Commission’s approval allows failure to invest in clean energy
Yesterday, the South Carolina Public Service Commission approved Dominion Energy’s integrated resource plan for South Carolina, paving the way for riskier and dirtier energy sources and putting Dominion’s coal retirement timeline in question. Rather than seize the opportunities to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the plan includes heavy investment in methane gas without sufficient investment in cleaner technology.
“We’re disappointed in the Public Service…
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
Congratulations to Jasper County for passing a referendum that establishes its first local conservation fund. The special sales and use tax will raise $94 million to protect land and water and $376 million to fix existing roads over the next 15 years.
The majority “Yes” vote (55%) marks a huge step toward ensuring access to clean water and safe roads for all who call Jasper County home. With mounting growth pressure…
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
The passing of the Horry County Special Sales and Use Tax means that rural western Horry and Georgetown counties will be opened to sprawling development, families will lose their farmland, communities will be divided, flooding impacts will worsen, and our public conservation lands will be compromised.
The Coastal Conservation League is disappointed in the outcome of the Horry County Special Sales and Use Tax and stands strong that the negative…
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Charleston County voters have made it clear: they prioritize our Sea Islands, Settlement Communities, and Lowcountry way of life more than a destructive road project.
The Coastal Conservation League is proud of voters who stood up for our environment, community, and future by voting down the unbalanced and unfair 2024 special sales and use tax.
We now have an opportunity to come together to select and implement priority traffic solutions while…
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Yesterday, the South Carolina Public Service Commission approved Duke Energy’s integrated resource plan for South Carolina, directing Duke to work with stakeholders to consider improvements recommended by several environmental groups that, if implemented, could improve grid reliability, expand opportunities for solar energy and battery storage, and reduce reliance on risky and polluting fossil fuels. The Commission also directed Duke to work with large customers such as Walmart to develop programs to reduce load…
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
Purchasing a home is a significant milestone and cornerstone of the “American dream.” It’s a place to rest and relax, raise a family, and secure a long-term financial investment. As climate change becomes a more tangible reality, the home buying process is shifting, especially here in the Southeast. A recent Zillow survey found that 80 percent of prospective home buyers consider climate risks when shopping for a home. Their concern…
