The Upstate Update: December 2022

The Upstate Update is a digital newsletter curated and shared each month that offers insights into Upstate Forever's recent work, highlights upcoming events and volunteer opportunities, and shares other conservation and advocacy news.

We post the Upstate Update here on the Upstate Forever blog each month. If you would like to receive the Upstate Update directly in your email inbox, please sign up for the mailing list.

Why do you support Upstate Forever?

“The work done by Upstate Forever in the past, now, and in the future will have an astounding effect on our region. Upstate Forever is up for the challenge of working with landowners, communities, and local stakeholders to increase awareness of the importance of conservation — to progress forward towards a better quality of life for Upstate South Carolina." – Jeff Tillerson, Spartanburg

“We each work closely with local and statewide conservation organizations and know firsthand the importance of constant vigilance to protect and preserve our region’s natural resources. Upstate Forever works tirelessly to ensure that rapid development in the ten Upstate counties is tempered by responsible growth which preserves the natural world that makes our region such a desirable place to live.” – Allen and Nikki Grumbine, Greenville

"A lifelong pursuit of time spent in wild places has taught me one major lesson: Don't count on the places you've always loved to always be there. Upstate Forever is putting in the work to ensure less of these places slip out of reach." – Matthew Carter, Greer

Click here to join Jeff, Allen, Nikki, and Matthew in supporting Upstate Forever, and email us and share your "why."

Find more ways to support UF this season in this month's newsletter

Also in this month's newsletter:

• Action alert: More pipeline transparency

  New regulations proposed at the SC Public Service Commission (PSC) would help increase transparency in the construction of natural gas pipelines and use of eminent domain by pipeline companies. The PSC is accepting public comments until January 5 on proposed regulations — and they need to hear from you! Click here for details & contact info

• Receive our Legislative Updates
  While the South Carolina General Assembly is in session from January to May, State Policy Director Megan Chase-Muller will dispatch weekly updates on conservation-related bills and critical action alerts via email. Sign up now to begin receiving our Legislative Updates when the session begins on January 10. Sign up here

• Scenic Highway 11 protections
  Congratulations to Pickens County leadership on the recent adoption of an ordinance aimed at protecting the unique beauty of the Scenic Highway 11 Corridor through design standards and development limitations. We applaud Pickens County Council, Planning Commission, staff, and the many residents and property and business owners along Highway 11 for working so diligently to explore options for protecting the corridor’s natural and scenic beauty, balancing the interests of various stakeholders, and finding compromise when needed. Learn more about the ordinance here

• Energy grant news
  UF's Energy Program was recently awarded $15,000 from the Merck Family Fund. This grant will able our team to continue advocating for energy efficiency with electric utilities, Upstate residents, legislators, and the Public Service Commission.