from the mountains to the marshes

Lawyers for the Wild Side

Since 1987, the South Carolina Environmental Law Project has remained the last line of defense against harmful land uses and other major environmental threats in the state.

Our Mission

We use our legal expertise to protect land, water and communities across South Carolina.

Our Vision

Our land, water and communities are protected and state laws and policies prioritize natural systems that sustain life.

Lawyers for the Wild Side of South Carolina

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Fighting for Our Land, Water and Communities

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Since 1987

More than three decades of fighting for the environment and getting involved with community projects for the wellbeing of us all.
90+

Years of Legal Experience

With five attorneys, six support staff, four offices and an outstanding Board of Directors, SCELP's team is stronger than ever.
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Active Cases

And dozens more ongoing and developing issues. We work throughout the state, from mining projects to drinking water challenges in rural communities.

Strategic Priorities

Our focus

SCELP's Legal Expertise Covers the Following Areas:

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Our work

Top Cases & Issues

contact us

Call (843) 527-0078 or send us an email.

AND THAT'S NOT EVERYTHING

Why Environmental Protection and Justice?

Ecosystems

Natural resources in South Carolina are one of our most valuable assets. We have miles of beautiful beaches, spectacular mountain ridges and vistas, winding and serene rivers and waterways, swamps, wetlands and forests of national renown, all supporting diverse wildlife.

Economy

The health of our economy is inextricably linked to the health of our natural environment, which provides valuable ecosystem services. Those services include mitigating flooding and providing wildlife habitat for recreational and commercial uses.

Health & Happiness

In addition to sustaining our economy, natural resources play an integral role in our spiritual and physical well-being by providing open spaces in which to recreate and rejuvenate, as well as maintaining healthy water quality and quantity.

Pollution & Inequity

It is well documented that vulnerable communities are often located in the most dangerous zones of our floodplains, or in regions that are exposed to toxic pollution sources: coal-fired power plants, open-air lagoons, nuclear waste facilities, megadumps and other polluting industries.

Justice

Fairness and inclusion for all people, regardless of group identity, with respect to environmental law and decision-making is the most systemic approach to achieve equitable outcomes, while improving our state's regulatory system, especially given the history and continuing legacy of racial discrimination.

Future Generations

Our lives and quality of life are increasingly dependent on the health of our ecosystems. As the impact of climate change intensifies, we have an obligation towards our children and their children to do everything we can to advance environmental protection and justice across our state.

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