Thank You Gov. Henry McMaster for Leadership on Conservation Issues
CHARLESTON, SC – The Audubon Action Fund thanks Governor Henry McMaster for his leadership on conservation policy solutions that help protect South Carolina’s birds and abundant natural resources. When we support the places birds need, we also protect our state's clean air and water, iconic landscapes, and the important tourism and forest products industries in South Carolina.
“Governor Henry McMaster has been a strong advocate for conserving South Carolina’s natural resources that help preserve our quality of life and protect incredibly important places for birds and other wildlife. We are deeply appreciative of his efforts,” said Justin Stokes, Senior Advisor to the Audubon Action Fund.
Governor McMaster recently signed into law the Disaster Relief and Resilience Act, S.259, which establishes a statewide Resilience Revolving Loan Fund program to facilitate the voluntary buyout of repetitively flooded properties thereby allowing homeowners to relocate while returning those flooded properties back to a natural state. It also calls for the creation of a state Resilience Office and provides for comprehensive statewide planning and preparation to ensure our state’s resilience against increasingly severe weather and flood events.
The Governor has also been a strong proponent for land protection efforts. He signed legislation that reauthorized the South Carolina Conservation Bank, our most powerful tool for land conservation that aids in keeping waterways clean and protecting and restoring habitat that is essential for the survival of our state’s birds. This summer he strongly supported protecting Beaufort County’s Bay Point Island, a globally-significant place for birds such as the Piping Plover, Red Knot, Least Tern, and American Oystercatcher.
Additionally, Governor McMaster has demonstrated steadfast commitment this legislative session to clean energy including signing the Energy Freedom Act in 2019, the landmark law that accelerates solar power that is good for South Carolina consumers, businesses, and economy. Transitioning to clean energy sources, like solar, for electricity generation reduces air and water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions related to traditional energy production.
The Audubon Action Fund will be using digital advertising in South Carolina to encourage constituents to join us in thanking the Governor for his work on conservation issues important to South Carolina’s birds, wildlife and communities.