For
Immediate Release
Contact: Luke Byars
April
5, 2001
803 734 2080
Peeler urges quick action in the House; bill protects
private property rights
Columbia—Late Wednesday, the South Carolina State Senate approved the South Carolina Conservation Bank Act also known as S.297. This bill will establish the Conservation Bank for the purpose of awarding grants to protect habitats, open spaces, and historically significant buildings. The bill, in its current version as passed by the Senate, does not allocate State funds for the Conservation Bank.
Lt. Governor Bob Peeler an early supporter of this legislation said, “Sprawl and protecting private property rights are a major concern for many South Carolinians. Fortunately, this bill will begin to answer many of the growing concerns we all have about these problems.”
Many diverse environmental and business groups joined together to support this bipartisan legislation. In fact, when the bill was up for third reading yesterday it passed the Senate with a unanimous voice vote.
Lead sponsor in the South Carolina House, Representative Chip Campsen said, “The Conservation Bank Act is a way to conserve and yet remain respectful of property rights. This unique benefit has attracted diverse support from both the business and environmental communities alike.”
Peeler continued, “I am thrilled the Senate has moved so quickly, I urge the House to do the same. This is not a Republican or a Democrat bill, this is a South Carolina bill that will promote and preserve our rich history and precious lands. That’s something we can all be proud of.”
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