FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, February 13, 2018

Contact - Carina Daniels - carina@catercommunications.com,(510) 847-1617

Shane Levy, Sierra Cub - shane.levy@sierraclub.org, 201-679-9507

South Carolina Community Groups Rally At Statehouse To Demand Just Transition To Clean
Energy
Groups urge support for package of legislation that would expand clean energy, protect consumers from
costly and dirty energy

COLUMBIA, S.C. - A large and diverse coalition of South Carolina community groups and voters rallied
today at the South Carolina State House to urge elected leaders to support legislation to advance a just
transition to clean energy and protect consumers from dirty, costly energy projects.

The South Carolina Legislature is currently considering a bevy of bills that would expand access to clean
energy like solar, while protecting consumers across the state from costly energy such as the burden of
paying for the failed V.C. Summer nuclear plant. The coalition is urging state elected officials to support
the package of legislation, which would represent a historic step for South Carolina towards cleaner air
and water, lower electricity costs for South Carolina families, and a fairer economy powered by clean
energy.

More than 100 South Carolinans participated in the event, including representatives from several of the
state’s environmental justice and faith communities as well as conservation and clean energy advocates.

The event was hosted by the New Alpha Community Development Corporation, the Sierra Club’s Ready
for 100 campaign, and the Dogwood Alliance.

Quotes from the participants:

““In light of the failed V.C. Summer Nuclear Plant, we have an opportunity to recalculate how we generate
energy in a just and equitable manner for our state and for future generations. No longer can we give
utilities a blank check when it comes to dipping into the incomes of South Carolina residents, particularly
those who can least afford it. Today, we are coming together so that the voice of everyday people, the
residents of South Carolina, can be heard. It’s time to chart a course to more clean and renewable
sources of energy for all people here in South Carolina,” said Rev. Leo Woodberry, Executive Director,
New Alpha Community Development Corporation; pastor, Kingdom Living Temple

“Our Sacred beliefs teach us that we should be good stewards of the earth and to care for both our
creation and our neighbors. As a faith leader, I know that protecting the health of our planet, as well as
our people, is not only a responsibility we have to our environment, it is a moral obligation we have to one
another. By supporting a just transition to clean energy across our state, we can advance the cause of
Climate Justice for all people living in South Carolina,” said Michael Malcom with South Carolina Interfaith
Power and Light.

"If you truly love your environment and land, then you must take actions to protect it for yourself and
future generations. Always be a part of the solution, not the problem,” said Dr. Florence Anoruo,
Associate Prof. of Biology and Environmental Sci. at South Carolina State University and Faculty Advisor,
Environmental Action Club

“South Carolina communities want a clean, renewable energy future that truly works for them. Sierra
Club’s Ready for 100 campaign looks forward to supporting our partners in communities across South
Carolina as they bring forward this vision of a just and equitable transition to 100% clean energy for all
people,” said Jodie Van Horn, Director of the Sierra Club’s Ready For 100 campaign.
BACKGROUND - Legislation supported by the coalition includes H.4425 SC Public Utility Consumer
Protection Act, H.4421 SC Electric Consumer Bill of Rights, H. 4380 Mandated Utility Ratepayer Refund,
H. 4379 Creation of a Consumer Advocate and Office of Regulatory Staff Reform, H. 4378 SC Public
Utility Review Committee Reform, H. 4377 SC Public Service Commission Reform, H. 4376 Santee
Cooper Board Reform, H. 3416 Rev. Rep. Joseph H. Neal Environmental Bill of Rights, H. 4375 Base
Load Review Act and Rate Determination Reform, H. 4307 Offshore Drilling Infrastructure Abatement