S.C. senators urging presidential candidates to discuss climate change

A dozen state senators are asking presidential hopefuls to discuss climate change and clean energy when the candidates visit South Carolina.

In an open letter to candidates, six Democrats and six Republicans urged discussions of a comprehensive energy policy. The letter, delivered to campaigns this week, also expressed concern about how rising sea levels and a changing climate could affect the coast.

The letter said nuisance flooding in Charleston had increased 400 percent since 1960 and that Parris Island Marine base near Beaufort could be flooded if sea level rises 3 feet.

Those signing the letter included Republicans John Courson, Greg Gregory, Wes Hayes, Katrina Shealy, Larry Martin and Thomas Alexander, as well as Democrats Brad Hutto, Marlon Kimpson, Thomas McElveen, Vincent Sheheen, Joel Lourie and Kevin Johnson.

“In particular, we encourage you to share your plan to support a comprehensive energy policy that makes our nation more secure and creates a healthy energy future,’’ the letter said. “Such a plan would also foster economic growth and job creation.’’

Their letter comes amid growing debate about offshore drilling along the Carolina coast. Many oppose the search for oil and gas, saying it could lead to spills that would hurt the tourism economy. Proponents say it only makes sense to see if oil or gas can be found.

Environmental groups that support many of the senators signing the letter favor the move toward wind and solar, the latter of which is growing in South Carolina because of new legislation last year.

The Conservation Voters of South Carolina, a political group representing environmentalists, praised the decision as a way to put the spotlight on the issue. South Carolina will be among the first states to vote in presidential primaries next year.

“South Carolina’s first in the South primary gives us a unique opportunity to ask candidates to share their proposals to promote prosperity by investing in clean energy jobs,” said Conservation Voters of South Carolina Executive Director Ann Timberlake. “For our state in particular, climate change not only endangers the tourist and outdoor economies of coastal towns, but also puts our national security at risk.”

This story was originally published July 14, 2015 at 5:54 PM with the headline "S.C. senators urging presidential candidates to discuss climate change."