A new statewide poll of 1,200 likely Republican primary voters finds strong and growing support for conservation, resilience and responsible natural resource management across South Carolina, with voters increasingly linking stewardship of land, water and energy to the state’s long-term economic success.
Commissioned by Sustain SC in partnership with The Nature Conservancy, the poll, now in its third year, confirms a clear and consistent trend: conservative voters view conservation as a practical, common-sense approach to protecting communities, supporting industry and planning responsibly for growth.
Across nearly every category measured, support among Republican primary voters exceeds 80 percent, reinforcing broad alignment around voluntary, market-based solutions that balance economic development with long-term stewardship.
Strong and Growing Support for Land and Water Conservation
Support for conserving South Carolina’s natural and historic resources remains both broad and deeply rooted. 80 percent of respondents support conservation even when balanced against development pressures. That support grows even stronger when voters consider the future, with 84.7 percent agreeing that South Carolinians must work together to conserve land and water to sustain both the economy and the environment - an increase from previous years.
Voters also expressed a strong preference for how conservation is achieved. Nearly 87 percent support voluntary, landowner-driven tools such as conservation easements and working lands programs, signaling a clear preference for partnership-based approaches that respect private property rights rather than regulatory mandates.
Working lands and forestry emerged as top priorities. More than 83 percent support increased investment in South Carolina’s forestry sector to encourage new markets for wood products and help keep forest land from being converted to other uses. Support is even stronger for proactive land management practices like controlled burns and reforestation, backed by 92.5 percent of respondents.
“For the third time in recent years, this data shows that conservative voters understand conservation is a tool to protect South Carolina's culture and heritage, while helping to support and balance future economic growth,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “This consistent growth in support highlights the need for sustained, practical efforts to balance conservation, resilience and economic development.”
Water Stewardship, Resilience and Energy Planning Top Voter Concerns
Water management continues to stand out as a key concern tied to South Carolina’s rapid growth. A strong majority of voters (81.4 percent) believe water resources should be managed to support both economic development and outdoor recreation. An overwhelming 90.3 percent agree it is important to conserve wetlands to support South Carolina’s outdoor recreation economy, including hunting and fishing.
Voters are also increasingly attentive to water demand pressures. More than 70 percent expressed concern about the strain that large-scale industrial and commercial water users, such as data centers, can place on local water supplies, underscoring the importance of long-term planning as the state recruits new industries.
In addition, nearly 89 percent support state investments that protect residents from natural disasters through resilience efforts, disaster recovery, hazard mitigation and the conservation of lands that reduce flood risk, such as wetlands. These findings reflect growing recognition that resilience and energy infrastructure planning are closely tied to land use, water availability and public safety.
“Polls consistently show that South Carolinians recognize the value of caring for our lands and waters, and they want state government and organizations to take an active role in stewarding them,” said Dale Threatt-Taylor, executive director for The Nature Conservancy in South Carolina, and past Sustain SC Board Chair. “We’re proud to work with Sustain SC and other partners to protect natural resources while fostering a strong, competitive state economy.”
A Clear Mandate for Practical, Conservative Solutions
As South Carolina plans for continued growth, this poll provides a strong mandate for advancing solutions that balance economic opportunity with long-term stewardship. The message from conservative voters is clear: protecting South Carolina’s land, water and energy resources is central to sustaining the industries, communities and quality of life that drive the state’s success.