Striking A Balance: A Shared Commitment to Conservation and South Carolina’s Economic Future

South Carolinians take pride in their state’s natural beauty, abundant resources and strong economy. They want to live, work and raise their families in a place that is both economically prosperous and surrounded by the beaches, rivers, forests and mountains that we call home. Achieving this balance requires a thoughtful approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of commerce and conservation, and dedication to preserving our natural resources.

As one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, South Carolina faces the challenge of sustaining our economic momentum while protecting these natural assets. Conservative voters across South Carolina recognize that economic prosperity and environmental protection must go hand in hand, and that we should prioritize safeguarding our state’s landscapes.

For the second time in three years, Sustain SC, in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, has tested conservation and resilience issues statewide among GOP primary voters. The results are clear: Republican voters strongly support initiatives that invest in and safeguard our state’s land, water and energy resources. We hope our policymakers will listen.

South Carolina’s land is a foundational economic and environmental resource, and Republican-based voters recognize the need to protect it. Eighty-two percent agree that South Carolinians must work together to conserve land and water. Similarly, 83 percent believe land conservation is essential to securing natural resources and balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Additionally, 81 percent support land conservation initiatives to safeguard important natural and historical resources. Voters believe leveraging state funding for flood prevention and disaster mitigation is one key to achieving these goals.

Water also serves as a fundamental driver for South Carolina’s economy and quality of life, making wise management essential. An overwhelming 82 percent of GOP voters agree that water management must balance economic and recreational needs. South Carolina’s rivers and streams power industries and provide outdoor recreation opportunities for residents. Given this strong support, we must prioritize the conservation of our water resources by first taking an interest in managing them well through initiatives like Water SC to ensure they continue to sustain both our economy and way of life for future generations. How can we do that? Voters indicate that the state’s government should take primary responsibility for protecting South Carolina’s wetlands and sensitive areas.

When it comes to energy, conservatives in South Carolina recognize that diversification is essential to ensuring reliability and affordability in a rapidly growing state. Seventy-three percent of Republican voters support expanding renewable energy sources, including nuclear, hydrogen and solar. Additionally, 52 percent favor investing in both traditional and new energy sources—a notable increase from 2023.

Protecting South Carolina’s natural resources is a priority for residents, and it should be for our policymakers, too. Thankfully for many of our South Carolina decision makers, from local to federal, we see an appreciation of this very connection between commerce and conservation. We hope this message inspires those who have yet to make that connection themselves. It’s not just about choosing between economic growth and environmental protection—it’s about ensuring they operate together. Sustain SC remains committed to working at this intersection to benefit businesses, communities and future generations.

Leslie Skardon is the CEO of Sustain South Carolina, a nonprofit that fosters collaboration between the commerce and conservation sectors to promote sustainable growth and enhance the quality of life in the state.