CVSC Endorses Sheheen in Democratic Primary

May 12, 2010

For Immediate Release - May 12, 2010

(Columbia, SC) – Conservation Voters of South Carolina endorses gubernatorial candidate Vincent Sheheen in the Democratic primary.

According to Timberlake, Vincent Sheheen “combines experience, vision”

“Senator Sheheen has a proven record of fighting for a clean, healthy South Carolina,” said CVSC Executive Director Ann Timberlake.  “He also has a vision for our state’s future that includes protecting our natural resources while creating jobs in the clean energy sector.”

As a House member, Sheheen was an early advocate of the landmark Conservation Bank, which has protected over 150,000 acres of South Carolina’s most cherished landscapes.  Sheheen has vowed “to increase land protection funding to preserve the God-given wonders of our state.”  According to Sheheen, “It’s a battle worth fighting for my children and future generations.”  

Today, Sheheen reiterated his opposition to drilling for oil off South Carolina's coast.  "First, there is little oil off our coast, so any candidate claiming to support drilling for oil is pandering for votes, not offering a viable energy solution for South Carolina.  Second, while we may not have oil, we do have a thriving coastal tourism industry worth billions of dollars and tens of thousands of jobs.  Do we really want to risk that economy and our beautiful coast for the uncertain revenues from offshore drilling?"

On the issue of natural gas, Senator Sheheen supports exploratory efforts to determine the amount of gas and the costs and benefits of recovering it. "However," said Sheheen, "our first order of business must be to develop a comprehensive energy plan for our state.  As Governor, I will create a plan that promotes clean energy jobs, lowers utility bills and protects our natural resources.
 
Sheheen also appreciates the connection between protecting our natural resources and promoting sustainable economic growth:  “We have a unique opportunity in our history to link conservation of our natural resources to sustainable economic growth.  South Carolina has unbelievable opportunities in this decade to bolster our economy with jobs created by alternative energy production, rural and historical tourism, and an increased focus on local, fresh and healthy agriculture.”
 
As a State Senator, Sheheen has been recognized twice by CVSC as a “Conservation Champion” for his leadership on complex issues, ranging from removing unlawful river shacks to safeguarding the public's right to appeal permits issued by the Department of Health and Environmental Control. He also voted against tripling the amount of nuclear waste buried at Barnwell, helping to end South Carolina’s role as the nation’s nuclear dumping ground.
 
“Vincent Sheheen is especially passionate about protecting our lakes and rivers,” added Timberlake.  “He chaired the Wateree-Catawba Bi-State River Commission and has been a key supporter of a Senate bill now awaiting House approval to finally create a water withdrawal permitting system to ensure healthy rivers and protect South Carolina businesses.  Vincent practices what he preaches, canoeing and camping with his three sons on annual river trips."

Since 2002, Conservation Voters has been turning traditional conservation values into state priorities.  The independent, bipartisan, non-profit organization holds elected leaders accountable and publishes a biennial Conservation Scorecard.  In order to receive a possible endorsement from CVSC, candidates undergo an intensive review process that includes an examination of their records, questionnaire responses and interviews.   In addition to state-wide races, CVSC is endorsing 18 primary candidates for the House of Representatives, 10 Republicans and 8 Democrats.

In February, CVSC launched a SCGREENGOV Campaign to elect a “green” governor in 2010.  The campaign includes the website www.scgreengov.com where voters and the media can interact directly with gubernatorial candidates around issues of energy and the environment.  The site also contains background information on all the candidates and their positions on conservation issues.