Legislative Update, April 12-16
Last week was especially busy as the legislature returned to the State House after taking a furlough. While water withdrawal legislation took another important step forward, an undesirable amendment was made to the Conservation Bank bill:
Water Withdrawal Permitting
The House Environmental Affairs I subcommittee unanimously supported the Water Withdrwawal Permitting, use and Reporting Act last week! We would like Chairman David Hiott (R-Oconee), Rep. Mike Forrester (R-Spartanburg), Rep. Chandra Dillard (D-Greenville), and Rep. Nelson Hardwick (R-Surfside Beach) for supporting this important first step in managing South Carolina's water resources. Please take a moment to ask the full House Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee to support S.452 when they take it up on Thursday, April 22.
Staff Contact: Patrick Moore
E-waste
H.4093, introduced by Rep. Dwight Loftis (R-Greenville) passed the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week. The bill has previously passed the full House. The bill requires manufacturers who sell most TVs, computers and printers in S.C> to establish recovery programs at no cost to the consumer. The bill is supported by industry and conservation groups and will help improve water quality by keeping toxic heavy metals out of our landfills and waterways.
Staff Contacts: Dennis Glaves and Merrill McGregor
Conservation Bank
The economic woes of our state have forced lawmakers to take a hard look at their funding priorities. And while the unfortunate collapse of the market has resulted in record unemployment, grossly inadequate funding for public health insurance programs, foreclosures and a struggling local economy; sound investment of taxpayer dollars into the State's only conservation land trust has provided a steady return on clean air and water, fresh food, natural beauty, local jobs and public recreation. So the good news is that some of our states lawmakers understand this issue. They see the interconnectedness of environmental and social issues; how conservation practices produce economically viable communities (Not to mention children who are better equipped to learn in school, reduced chronic health conditions, fewer racial and ethnic health disparities, business relocation incentives, and protection of taxpayer dollars allocated to the provision of services in SC's ever expanding suburbia). Senators like Chip Campsen, Yancey McGill, and Danny Verdin as well as House members like Rep. Roland Smith and Rep. Jim Merrill have supported the Conservation Bank time and time again. They do this because there is growing opposition to the Conservation Bank during this frightening fiscal crisis. Because the bad news is tantamount to taking funding from disabled children. But the reality is that legislation gutted in the House Ways and Means Committee last week would simply reverse harmful language that treats the Conservation Bank unfairly during an economic downturn. As written, when other agency budgets are reduced, the Conservation Bank's budget is zeroed out. it is worth noting that back in 2002, the SC Legislature was reluctant to enact the forward thinking Conservation Bank legislation without the caveat of this "Death Clause" language. Hard work from the conservation community and our aforementioned legislative champions resulted in the ultimate creation of yet another state agency that is continually threatened not only by its dedicated source of revenue (deed stamp fees), but by the overall budgeting process at the State House as well. We've been fighting for its removal ever since, much to the chagrin of the House Ways and Means Committee, where not a single member spoke in favor of righting this wrong, save the comments of Rep. Roland Smith and Jim Merrill. It's not a matter of putting trees before education or health care - the legislature has an ongoing practice of attempting to secure needed funding from every source possible during crunch times, and current Conservation Bank legislation does not contain any provisions that would limit the General Assembly's authority to do so - no bill does. Which is why the Death Clause is obsolete. It is important to treat the Conservation Bank the same as other state agencies. Hopefully, a majority of lawmakers will see the sense this policy makes and remove the Death Clause in FY 2010-2011.
Staff Contact: Catherine Warner
Mega Mall Tax Incentives
S. 1054, by Sen. Clementa Pinckney (D-Jasper), has passed the full Senate. A provision granting Hardeeville or Jasper County the authority to impose an additional 1 or 2 cents sales tax replaces state general funds. The bill now goes to the House for consideration. CCL continues to have concerns about the environmental impact of such a massive project on the headwaters of the Oakatie. WE expect a hearing in the House Ways and Means Committee with the next two weeks.
Staff Contact: Dennis Glaves
Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Municipal Financing Districts
The League will also be advocating for legislation creating Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency Municipal Financing Districts. These voluntary districts would allow homeowners to combine the costs of their efficiency and renewable projects, get funding from the municipal bond market and pay back the loan with the savings in energy costs. These programs are voluntary on the part of the municipality and the homeowner and can save money while reducing carbon emissions.
These types of financing districts are getting significant amounts of attention as they begin to be adopted by larger and larger municipalities. CCL has been working with the Municipal Association of South Carolina and other stakeholders to get support for the bill.
Rep. Erickson (R-Beaufort) has filed H.4683 and we anticipate a hearing on the legislation in the next few weeks. We are working with the SC Bankers Association to address some concerns they have. This legalisation has been received favorably by a number of key allies, like the Municipal Association and SC Electric Cooperatives.
Staff Contact: Dennis Glaves
