The natural resources that support South Carolina’s economy are under more pressure than ever as our state continues to grow. How we manage land and water, prepare for natural disasters and ensure reliable, affordable energy will determine whether that growth strengthens our communities or strains them.
In communities across South Carolina, stewardship of our natural resources has emerged as common ground — defined not by party, but by performance. Voters are paying closer attention to how land, water and energy decisions affect their communities, livelihoods and quality of life. They increasingly understand that protecting natural resources doesn’t come at the expense of economic opportunity — it helps make growth work.
In our third annual statewide poll, conducted in December in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, likely Republican primary voters once again voiced strong support for practical, commonsense approaches to protecting land and water, strengthening resilience and planning for South Carolina’s energy future.
When asked directly about conservation, voters signaled that these priorities remain strong even as South Carolina grows. Eighty percent of respondents support conserving important natural and historic resources. That support increases to 85 percent when voters consider the long-term need for South Carolinians to work together to conserve land and water in order to sustain both the economy and the environment.
Equally important is how voters believe conservation should happen. Nearly 90 percent support voluntary, landowner-driven tools such as conservation easements and working lands programs (essentially pathways that allow farmers and foresters to keep their property a farm or working timberland) — a clear signal that South Carolinians favor partnership-based solutions that respect private property rights.
Water management is another issue voters are watching closely as growth continues. A strong majority believe water resources should be managed to support both economic development and outdoor recreation (81 percent), and an overwhelming 90 percent agree it’s important to conserve wetlands that support South Carolina’s outdoor heritage. At the same time, voters are increasingly aware that large-scale industrial and commercial water use — including water-intensive operations such as data centers — can strain local water supplies, a concern shared by roughly 7 in 10 South Carolinians.
South Carolinians also recognize that responsible growth requires preparation. Support is strong for state investments that protect residents from natural disasters through resilience efforts, disaster recovery, hazard mitigation and the conservation of flood-mitigating lands (89 percent). These investments aren’t viewed as abstract environmental efforts; they are seen as practical steps to protect homes, businesses and infrastructure while reducing long-term costs for communities.
No one can deny that energy reliability and affordability are also central to South Carolina’s economic future. More than 70 percent of conservative voters support an energy strategy that includes traditional energy sources alongside renewables such as nuclear, hydrogen, biomass, solar and wind. Voters understand that a diverse energy mix strengthens grid reliability and helps keep energy costs manageable as demand continues to grow.
Taken together, these poll results tell a consistent story. South Carolinians don’t view conservation, resilience and energy planning as disconnected issues. They see them as practical tools for protecting their communities and ensuring long-term prosperity.
Growth may be inevitable, but how we grow is a choice, and at Sustain SC, we believe sustainable growth is imperative. South Carolinians are clear about the path they want: one that strengthens the economy while protecting the resources that make our state a place they are proud to call home.
Leslie Skardon is the CEO of Sustain South Carolina and a Charleston City Council member.
