Conservative Voters Continue Strong Support for Conservation
A statewide survey shows conservative voters increasingly view land, water and energy stewardship as essential to South Carolina’s economic growth and community resilience.
A statewide poll of 1,200 likely Republican primary voters finds strong and growing support for conservation, resilience and responsible natural resource management across South Carolina, with voters increasingly linking stewardship of land, water and energy to the state’s long-term economic success.
The poll, now in its third year, confirms a clear and consistent trend: conservative voters view conservation as a practical, common-sense approach to protecting communities, supporting industry and planning responsibly for growth.
Across nearly every category measured, support among Republican primary voters exceeds 80 percent, reinforcing broad alignment around voluntary, market-based solutions that balance economic development with long-term stewardship.
Conservation and resilience initiatives are not just about protecting natural resources—they are essential for economic growth. Sustain SC remains committed to working at this intersection to benefit South Carolina’s businesses, communities and future generations.
South Carolina Republican Primary Voters Back Conservation, Resilience and Energy Planning at Record Levels
INFRASTRUCTURE, COSTS AND ECONOMIC RESILIENCE
South Carolina conservatives overwhelmingly agree that protecting infrastructure, controlling costs and strengthening resilience against natural disasters are essential to the state’s economic future.
96.5%
Concerned about roads and bridges
93.0%
Concerned about rising energy costs
92.3%
Concerned about rising food production costs
88.6%
Support General Assembly investment in disaster protec tion and flood-mitigation land conservation
61.4%
Support leveraging state dollars to unlock federal/private resilience funding
WATER MANAGEMENT + ECONOMIC GROWTH
Voters want responsible water management that supports economic growth while protecting South Carolina’s natural resources.
81.4%
Support balancing water use between economic and recreation needs
70.3%
Concerned about industrial water use
ENERGY
South Carolinians support a diversified, reliable energy strategy that lowers costs, creates jobs and strengthens energy independence.
71.1%
Support expanding renewables including nuclear, hydrogen, biomass, solar and wind
62.1%
Support continued federal investment after learning about jobs created
LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION
Conservatives strongly support voluntary land conservation that protects South Carolina’s heritage, strengthens the economy and respects private property rights.
80.0%
Support land conservation even if it reduces land for housing and jobs
84.7%
Say conserving land and water is essential to a sustainable economy and environment
86.8%
Support voluntary conservation easements without government interference
OUTDOOR HERITAGE: HUNTING, FISHING AND PUBLIC LANDS
Protecting wetlands and public lands is essential to preserving South Carolina’s hunting, fishing and outdoor traditions for future generations.
90.3%
Say conserving wetlands is important for hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation
93.1%
Believe public lands should be protected and accessible for future generations
76.2%
Are more likely to support elected officials who protect public lands
FORESTRY AND WORKING LANDS
Conservatives strongly support active forest management that strengthens the forestry economy, reduces wildfire risk and keeps working lands productive.
83.7%
Support investing in forestry, new wood markets and keeping forest land undeveloped
92.5%
Support proactive land management like controlled burns and reforestation
SURVEY METHODOLOGY: Survey of 1,200 likely 2026 South Carolina Republican primary voters, conducted December 9–11, 2025, via online mobile interviews. Margin of error: ±3 percentage points.
