South Carolina has two critical environmental issues: agriculture and water.
Recently, agriculture passed tourism as the number one industry in our state. However, our Governor and state legislature refuse to support the Farm-to-School Bill and other measures designed to get local produce to our people. They are missing a huge opportunity.
The issues facing agriculture are no longer traditional ones. We need to explore investing in second-generation bio-fuels like switch grass and other non-edible plants.
In the 3rd District, water is a major job producer and resource. Our District’s entire western border is made up of lakes and rivers that provide us with power and jobs.
Now, Atlanta and Charlotte are trying to siphon millions of gallons of water from our lakes and rivers. Litigation on this issue is underway with North Carolina, but our legislators and Congressional delegation have been silent on this attempt by our neighboring states to deplete our clean water supply.
Increases in energy demands, recreational activities, population and industry will greatly affect our environment. We must always consider the consequences: Many actions are irreversible. We must keep our environment clean for our children and their children.
In our District, we have breath-taking landscapes: pristine waterfalls, gorgeous lakes, spectacular mountains, and forests filled with wild life. We have a basic responsibility to protect these environmental wonders and leave nature the way we found it.
That is why I want to be your Congresswoman.
