Carina Daniels - carina@catercommunications.com,(510) 847-1617
Shane Levy, Sierra Cub - shane.levy@sierraclub.org, 201-679-9507
COLUMBIA, S.C. - A large and diverse coalition of South Carolina community groups and voters rallied today at the South Carolina State House to urge elected leaders to support legislation to advance a just transition to clean energy and protect consumers from dirty, costly energy projects.
The South Carolina Legislature is currently considering a bevy of bills that would expand access to clean energy like solar, while protecting consumers across the state from costly energy such as the burden of paying for the failed V.C. Summer nuclear plant. The coalition is urging state elected officials to support the package of legislation, which would represent a historic step for South Carolina towards cleaner air and water, lower electricity costs for South Carolina families, and a fairer economy powered by clean energy.
More than 100 South Carolinans participated in the event, including representatives from several of the state’s environmental justice and faith communities as well as conservation and clean energy advocates.
The event was hosted by the New Alpha Community Development Corporation, the Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign, and the Dogwood Alliance.
Quotes from the participants:
““In light of the failed V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant, we have an opportunity to recalculate how we generate energy in a just and equitable manner for our state and for future generations. No longer can we give utilities a blank check when it comes to dipping into the incomes of South Carolina residents, particularly those who can least afford it. Today, we are coming together so that the voice of everyday people, the residents of South Carolina, can be heard. It’s time to chart a course to more clean and renewable sources of energy for all people here in South Carolina,” said Rev. Leo Woodberry, Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation; pastor, Kingdom Living Temple
“Our Sacred beliefs teach us that we should be good stewards of the earth and to care for both our creation and our neighbors. As a faith leader, I know that protecting the health of our planet, as well as our people, is not only a responsibility we have to our environment, it is a moral obligation we have to one another. By supporting a just transition to clean energy across our state, we can advance the cause of Climate Justice for all people living in South Carolina,” said Michael Malcom with South Carolina Interfaith Power and Light.
"If you truly love your environment and land, then you must take actions to protect it for yourself and future generations. Always be a part of the solution, not the problem,” said Dr. Florence Anoruo, Associate Prof. of Biology and Environmental Sci. at South Carolina State University and Faculty Advisor, Environmental Action Club
“South Carolina communities want a clean, renewable energy future that truly works for them. Sierra Club’s Ready for 100 campaign looks forward to supporting our partners in communities across South Carolina as they bring forward this vision of a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy for all people,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign.
“As people of faith, we proclaim our belief that our world is God’s creation, that God sees it as good, and that it is ours to protect and maintain. We also recognize that the quality of life for all of us depends upon its health and well-being,” said Susannah Tuttle, Director of NC Interfaith Power & Light
BACKGROUND - Legislation supported by the coalition includes H.4425 SC Public Utility Consumer Protection Act, H.4421 SC Electric Consumer Bill of Rights, H. 4380 Mandated Utility Ratepayer Refund, H. 4379 Creation of a Consumer Advocate and Office of Regulatory Staff Reform, H. 4378 SC Public Utility Review Committee Reform, H. 4377 SC Public Service Commission Reform, H. 4376 Santee Cooper Board Reform, H. 3416 Rev. Rep. Joseph H. Neal Environmental Bill of Rights, H. 4375 Base Load Review Act and Rate Determination Reform, H. 4307 Offshore Drilling Infrastructure Abatement
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.