A new statewide survey reveals that Republican and conservative Independent voters in South Carolina are backing clean energy initiatives and support more investment in them, recognizing both the economic benefits and the practical necessity of modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure.
Conducted by Sustain SC, an organization that seeks to bring stakeholders, businesses, and state leaders together to connect, collaborate, and foster sustainability investments in the state, the survey analyzes the long-term benefits on the population that is set to double over the next fifty years.
The recent survey indicated that 77% of respondents believe the 39 new clean energy projects announced in South Carolina since 2022 will benefit the state. These projects represent over $15 billion in investments and are expected to create more than 21,000 high-paying jobs across industries, including advanced manufacturing, battery technology, and energy.
For everyday South Carolinians, such projects translate to tangible benefits, especially regarding energy efficiency improvements. 61% of these conservative voters believe federal efforts to improve energy efficiency in homes and businesses will positively impact South Carolina, and 43% strongly support doing so through insulation or heat pumps. Such improvements translate into lower utility bills.
Extending beyond its cost-saving benefits, an overwhelming 94% of Republicans and conservative Independents recognize the importance of having a stable, resilient power grid supported by and generated from diverse energy sources. This acknowledgment comes as South Carolina’s energy needs continue to grow with population increases and business expansions. In addition, 73% of respondents support investments and modernization efforts to bring the electric grid and related infrastructure into the future.
Perhaps most notably, when presented with a list of four recent renewable energy projects, two-thirds of Republican and conservative Independent voters indicated their belief that the federal government should continue supporting such projects in South Carolina. There was remarkable consensus across demographic groups, with a majority from every group agreeing.
As South Carolina positions itself as a leader in the clean energy transition, the economic benefits are becoming increasingly apparent to voters across the political spectrum. With manufacturing facilities, battery production lines, and grid modernization projects moving forward, the state is witnessing job creation, economic development and opportunity, and lower costs for families and businesses that are hard to ignore. As Sustain SC argues, “With strong Republican and conservative support, policymakers should continue advocating for the protection and expansion of investment in clean energy-based initiatives to support economic growth and development across the Palmetto State.”
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