Sustain SC recently released a second study examining conservative support for clean energy in South Carolina, following an earlier survey on conservative backing for land conservation. The latest findings reveal that Republican and conservative Independent voters in the state strongly support clean energy projects, recognizing their benefits and favoring continued investment.
“When it comes to the modernization of our grid, growing jobs and energy efficiency, South Carolina’s conservative voters are on board with clean energy,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “Businesses continue to invest in the state, and a diverse, reliable energy mix is essential to meeting our growing demands. Expanding renewable energy sources strengthens our economic competitiveness and enhances opportunities for South Carolinians.”
“This survey demonstrates widespread support for clean energy projects in South Carolina, and our state and federal policymakers should take note,” Skardon continued. “Efforts to expand funding for clean energy projects will help drive growth and innovation. We look forward to working with our members to educate policymakers and other stakeholders to keep South Carolina moving toward a future where commerce and conservation go hand-in-hand.”
The statewide survey, which was fielded by Meeting Street Insights on February 1-5, found that among 500 South Carolina Republican and conservative Independents:
- 94 percent say it’s important that South Carolina has a stable and resilient power grid, as well as a diverse range of energy sources to meet these expanding needs.
- 73 percent strongly support modernizing, improving and securing the electric grid and related infrastructure.
- 77 percent say recent clean energy projects will have a positive impact on the state.
- Two out of three (66 percent) voters believe the federal government should continue supporting these clean energy projects in the state.
- A majority of every single demographic group believes the federal government should continue backing these initiatives.
- 61 percent believe that recent federal actions on helping homeowners and businesses become more energy efficient will have a positive impact on the state.
- 43 percent strongly support helping homeowners and businesses become more energy efficient through the usage of insulation or heat pumps.
Since 2022, 39 new projects have been announced in South Carolina, totaling $15 billion in investments and poised to create more than 21,000 high-paying jobs in energy, advanced manufacturing, and advanced battery technology. Learn more about the work Sustain SC is doing to promote sustainable business solutions in South Carolina here.
