A Coastal Conservation League update for those of you not subscribed:

Our state legislators return to Columbia next week to begin a new two-year session. The S.C. General Assembly convenes on Tuesday, January 13th. The Coastal Conservation League’s legislative priorities for 2009 include:

• * Empowering South Carolina to Manage our Water Resources – We need water withdrawal permitting to protect our increasingly scarce water supplies.
• * Encouraging our State to Build a New Energy Economy – Secure energy independence by re-injecting our energy dollars into homegrown renewables, energy efficiency and conservation programs.
• * Reforming Outdated Annexation Laws – Stop sprawl, lower taxes, and protect the environment. Our annexation priorities achieve all 3 goals as we strive for sustainable growth patterns for communities.
• * Restoring Full Funding of the Conservation Bank – Funding for this important state land protection tool is at risk and we will fight to maintain it.

You can view all of the 2009 legislative priorities on the Conservation League website.

You’re invited! Show your support for the conservation community’s Common Agenda by joining us for the “Conversations with Conservationists” Senate briefing on Wednesday, January 14th. The briefing will be held from 10 – 11:30 AM in Room 308 of the Gressette Building.

View the conservation community’s 2009 Common Agenda.

Also, mark your calendar, because there are a number of opportunities to influence your legislators this session:

• * February 17th – Conservation League Lobby Team Tuesday
  Spend the day with the conservation community’s legislative team and catch up with your legislators. If you can’t make it on this date, don’t worry. Lobby Team meets almost every Tuesday through the end of session.
• * April 28th – Sixth Annual Conservation Lobby Day
  This is our big day to show broad, statewide support for important conservation issues in Columbia. Our hard work is always rewarded with an evening oyster roast and reception.
• * Friday’s – Legislative Update and Action Alerts
  Taking a day off work to join us in Columbia can be difficult. Member emails, phone calls, and letters go a long way, and are critical to our success at the state house. Find out what you can to do help by reading our weekly update, beginning next Friday.

Help spread the word – forward this message. Many thanks for your interest and support!!

Until next week,
Your CCL legislative team,
Heather, Patrick & Patty

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