Coastal Conservation League
Press Statement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 17, 2018
Contact:
Alan Hancock, Energy and Climate Advocacy Director
alanh@scccl.org or (803) 361-1693
Caitie Forde-Smith, Communications Director
caitiefs@scccl.org or (252) 714-4790
State Senators approve anti-drilling measure during budget debate
CHARLESTON, SC – Today, South Carolina Senators approved a budget proviso introduced by Senator Chip Campsen that would block onshore infrastructure needed for offshore drilling and seismic testing.
The proviso seeks to deter federal efforts to explore and drill for oil and gas in the waters off South Carolina’s coast. It would prevent state regulators and local governments from using state dollars to plan or permit drilling and testing activities — including the construction of massive and environmentally destructive pipelines and refineries.
The proviso will head next to the House of Representatives, where lawmakers will consider the proviso as it reviews drafts of the state budget. If passed, it will carry the full weight of law and could be renewed yearly.
In response to the good news from Columbia, Coastal Conservation League Executive Director Laura Cantral issued the following statement.
State lawmakers should immediately seek every opportunity to protect South Carolinians and our vibrant environment and economy from dangerous offshore drilling and seismic testing.
This proviso would effectively block expansive industrialization of our entire coastline — something that is incompatible with the fragile beauty of South Carolina’s shore and our quality of life.
We applaud Governor Henry McMaster for his continued support on this important effort and Senator Chip Campsen for leading the charge.
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