Dear Friend,
South Carolina is known for its incredible natural beauty, from the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountains to the iconic salt marshes. But with steady population growth and paving over natural lands across the state, green spaces are dwindling and critical ecosystems like wetlands are being capped, scraped and filled at alarming rates. We are losing much of what makes South Carolina special for the many people who choose to live, work and play here.
The state's future will be sustainable only if our natural assets are better conserved. Your Lawyers for the Wild Side will keep fighting to ensure that local governments from Greenville to Georgetown adopt careful planning and more environmentally sensitive land use regulation. As we face a hotter and more extreme climate, the importance of conserving nature and building resilient communities is clear.
SCELP's efforts to protect South Carolina's land, water and communities will only succeed if we fight together. You can play a part by supporting our work and by joining our Wild Side fundraiser in Georgetown this October. The theme for this year's event could not be more appropriate: Wildly Resilient.
Thank you for all you do,
Amy E. Armstrong
In defiance of their constituents' wishes and county planning staff's recommendations, Greenville County Council voted 7-5 to replace the county's only check on unabated sprawl, Article 3.1, and to instead allow developers to set aside little to no open space for subdivisions in rural, unzoned areas. The decision comes after a bombshell report revealed that development interests contributed at least $77,000 to County Council campaigns — the largest source of campaign money for Council members. Elected officials should represent their community's interests, not their largest donors. Nevertheless, we are undeterred and appreciate everyone who called and emailed their elected officials and showed up at public hearings. SCELP will evaluate potential legal action against the County for its use of a procedure that prevented critical input from members of the public on a matter that affects all of Greenville.
In South Carolina, local governments are required by law to update their Comprehensive Plans at least every 10 years. In Georgetown County, however, elements of the Plan have not been updated since 2008. Significantly, state law was amended last year to include a Resiliency Element that requires consideration of the impacts of flooding, high water and natural hazards on communities. This element is needed now more than ever as residents endure increased flooding and extreme weather events, loss of flood buffering wetlands and trees, and more impervious surfaces. We are ready to go to court on behalf of local citizens groups should the County continue to shirk its duties.
Fairfield County is a special area that enjoys a rural pace of life. It is here where the Luck Stone Corporation wants to build and operate a granite and gneiss quarry for the next 100 years. Many nearby citizens are concerned about how the quarry will impact both water quantity and quality for their families. Join us in speaking out for Fairfield County by submitting your concerns to DHEC by this Friday, August 20. Send your comments to Jeremy Eddy, Project Manager DHEC Bureau of Land and Waste Management at 2600 Bull Street Columbia, SC 29201 or via email to eddyje@dhec.sc.gov.
Over the past year, we’ve all learned that life can change quickly — and through it all, your support has enabled us to continue protecting land, water and communities across South Carolina. This National Make-a-Will Month, SCELP is here to thank you by helping you support your own loved ones. If you are in the majority of people who do not have an up-to-date legal will in place, you can use FreeWill, a free, online resource that guides you through the process of creating a legally valid will in 20 minutes or less.
This August, take care of all the changes in your life and write or update your will today.
We are grateful to Lucey Law Firm and Nelson Mullins, returning sponsors for the 12th annual Wild Side, with a special shout out to Nelson Mullins for sponsoring our signature event every year since its inception. Such loyal support directly enables our work to protect South Carolina's land, water and communities.
If you would like to join them and our other Wild Side sponsors, or want to donate to our online auction, please contact Alison Geer at alison@scelp.org or 843-527-0078.
