Legislative Updates 2022: April 18 - 22

WEEK 15 IN THE STATEHOUSE

HIGHLIGHTS:

• News from the Statehouse
• Senate Budget week, Lobby Day, and bills to watch this week

From now until the end of the session on May 12^th, we can expect to see a surge in legislative activity, so stay tuned for action alerts and news on the legislation we're advocating for. Tomorrow’s Conservation Lobby Day will be no different with a hundred advocates buzzing around the Statehouse and shucking oysters.

Missed last week’s update? You can find quick summaries from each legislative week here.

News from the Statehouse

What do the Carolina Panthers have to do with Offshore Wind Energy? Absolutely nothing, except when they are joined together in amendment form. Last week we saw major backlash from the now-defunct Carolina Panthers deal in the form of amendments to the Offshore Wind Industry Joint Resolution (H.4831). One amendment would require the state to create a roadmap to “attract offshore headquarters for the Carolina Panthers” (rather than study the potential for offshore wind energy for the state) - part joke, part rebuke of the failed project. Another amendment directs the Department of Commerce to study taxpayer impacts from failed economic development projects. With the Senate focused on the budget this week, we have time to make sure the resolution stays on course with its original intent. Click here to learn more about this legislation.

The E-Waste Bill (H. 4775), which authorizes the safe disposal of old computers, monitors, and TVs, passed out of subcommittee last Wednesday and is scheduled for a hearing in the Full Senate Ag and Natural Resources Committee this Thursday, April 28^th at 10 am. You can read about this bill here.

Headed to the Governor’s desk! The House voted to concur on Senate changes to the Eminent Domain Joint Resolution (H.3524) that would ensure the moratorium does not apply to already-regulated pipeline companies. This resolution seeks to extend a moratorium on unregulated, private petroleum pipeline companies until we can develop regulations to protect property rights and local waterways from pipeline spills.

What to expect this week

Senate Budget Week, Lobby Day, and Many Committee Meetings

The Senate was given last week to review the Senate Finance Committee’s modifications to the state’s $12.6 billion budget (H.5150), so now we enter into Budget Week, where the state appropriations bill will be considered on the Senate Floor. We may see amendments and long days of debate — or we might not.

DHEC Restructuring is back. A House Ways & Means subcommittee is expected to take up the DHEC Breakup Bill (S.2) on Tuesday, April 26^th — 30 minutes after adjournment. About a month ago, this bill passed out of the Senate with few changes (read about those here) and it seemed like it was fast-tracked for the Governor’s desk. Tune into the subcommittee hearing on Tuesday here.

The Hazardous Waste Clean-Up Bill (H.4999), another bill shepherded by Upstate Representative Davey Hiott, will receive a subcommittee hearing Wednesday, April 27th at 10 am. You can learn more about this bill here and watch the hearing here.

Another Ways & Means subcommittee will be worth watching on Wednesday, April 27^th at 9:30 am as two of our priority bills, the County Green Space Sales Tax Bill (S.152) and the Solar on Superfund Bill (S.901), will be taken up. Watch the hearing here.

Finally, our Conservation Lobby Day, hosted by SC Conservation Coalition (check out the new website), will be held Tuesday, April 26^th, where a hundred advocates will gather to meet fellow conservation supporters and legislators and discuss ways to align economic development with conservation and healthy communities.

Until next week...

Megan Chase
State Policy Director

ODDS AND ENDS AND ACTIONS:

Would you rather receive these weekly Legislative Updates in your inbox? You can sign up to do so right here. The Legislative Update will hit your mailbox every Sunday evening during session (January through May).

Did your senator or representative do something awesome this week? Tell them! Use this link to find out who represents you, and if you love a bill they are supporting, please let them know. You can also just use the link to tell them what is important to you.