Conservation Voters of South Carolina

Our 2024 Year-End Newsletter is here! In this issue, we reflect on a successful year at CVSC. With the 2023-2024 legislative session, general elections, rate increases, and the second cohort of the Palmetto Leadership Academy behind us, we're grateful for all of the progress we made this year. Our team is looking forward to making even more strides to advance conservation in South Carolina in 2025. To read all of this and more, visit: https://lnkd.in/eP7S9WXw

We recently sat down with Alan Lee, CVSC’s government relations manager, to discuss our 2025 legislative priorities. We dig into his work at the Statehouse, how advocates can get involved, and what keeps Alan motivated in this work. Read the full interview and learn more about what we hope to accomplish next year with your help: https://lnkd.in/eUTbCgUN

CVSC Rural Energy Project Fellow Ella Michel saw a need for energy efficiency improvements in her community and set out to make a difference. Along with a USC classmate, Ella received a grant from the City of Columbia to help homeowners weatherize their homes by sealing windows and doors, adding insulation, and installing LED lightbulbs. These changes will have a meaningful impact on her neighbors' comfort and energy bills. Ella, we applaud you for using your energy knowledge to improve the lives of your fellow South Carolinians. Congratulations on this wonderful achievement! Read the full story here: https://lnkd.in/euNPNUmY

Solar is growing in South Carolina, with big economic benefits on the horizon! ☀️ Carolinas Clean Energy Business Association projects that solar will be a multi-billion dollar industry in South Carolina by 2035, likely leading to 3,300 permanent new jobs and $261 million annually in new worker pay. Find key takeaways and the full study here: https://lnkd.in/eeMmXbhj

CVSC was honored to participate in the SC Rural Resource Coalition's annual meeting put on by South Carolina Association for Community Economic Development. Energy Policy Director John Brooker joined a panel to discuss sustainable energy and the role of clean energy technologies in addressing challenges and creating opportunities for South Carolina's rural communities. Rural communities face disproportionately high energy bills. The panel covered how community solar and reducing energy usage through efficiency efforts are critical tools South Carolina can utilize to reduce bills and help communities take control of their energy future.

As Partnerships and Engagement Manager, Evan Renshaw's mission is to foster collaboration within the conservation community to drive change through the power of coalitions and advocate engagement. Learn more about his work and how advocates like you can get involved in the conservation movement in our most recent blog post: https://lnkd.in/gEaK-RFc

Last week, our current Palmetto Leadership Academy fellows participated in a mock board meeting to prepare them for future roles on local boards and commissions. If you're looking to gain skills and experience to help you on a journey towards community leadership, we invite you to read more about the PLA on our website and apply before next Saturday, November 30th! https://lnkd.in/gaierkvi

CVSC partnered with The Shi Institute for Sustainable Communities at Furman University to explore business demand for renewable energy and barriers to clean energy access in South Carolina. Our main takeaway: businesses are increasingly seeking access to local renewable energy! ⚡ As more and more businesses commit to reducing their greenhouse gas emissions, it's important that South Carolina transitions to clean and affordable energy so we don't miss out on opportunities for economic growth. Check out our latest blog post where we cite the concerns of various businesses and opportunities to strengthen the state’s position in the renewable energy sector, along with a link to the full report! https://lnkd.in/esCwcNk6

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has revealed the vulnerability of our communities and infrastructure to extreme weather events, highlighting the urgent need for preparedness, mitigation strategies, and long-term solutions to challenges posed by our changing environment. Read more about how CVSC is working to build resilience and protect South Carolina from the next major storm in our recent blog post: https://lnkd.in/eRMm_nkG

We recently sat down with Katie Welborn Hagan, CVSC’s SVP of Political Strategy, to discuss our strategy for the upcoming election. We dig into how CVSC has been involved so far, what voters can do to help support conservation, and what comes next after the results are in. Read the full interview to learn how your support of CVSC helps elect leaders who advance conservation in our state: https://lnkd.in/ee2pVXx2