South Carolina's natural resources are irreplaceable. Phil Leventis knows that people who enjoy the outdoors - sportsmen and naturalists - understand the importance of clean air and water. For business and industry, especially those dealing with tourism and agriculture, Leventis knows it's vital for the quality of the Palmetto State's natural resources to remain high.

"I have worked very hard and effectively to protect our resources," said Leventis, who this year was wholeheartedly endorsed by the Conservation Voters of South Carolina. "Through legislation and teamwork, I have ensured that our state has strong regulation of mega-hog farms and demands regulation for hazardous and nuclear dumps. I have also worked to attract new industries and businesses to South Carolina that have proven they will be responsible and good stewards of our land and our waters."

An example of Leventis' conservation work was his involvement with the dry cleaning industry. Several years ago, dry cleaners in the state realized they had a problem because of possible environmental damage caused by solvents they had used over the years to clean clothes. Leventis worked with industry leaders and the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control to work out a solution.

Phil Leventis is recognized statewide as an environmental leader and steward.

"Today, the Dry Cleaner Restoration Act sets up a self-insured mechanism to help the industry both work constructively with DHEC and solve possible future problems," he said. "I have demonstrated that I can get the job done when it comes to insisting on responsible management of our natural resources.
"I will continue to fight to ensure South Carolina is not the nation's dumping ground for hazardous, nuclear, biological or municipal waste. I will continue to work to help existing business and industry meet their waste management needs sensibly, economically but always responsibly to protect our state's future."

OUTSTANDING CONSERVATION RECORD

Over the years, Phil Leventis has been one of South Carolina's conservation leaders. Just look at some recent highlights:

2002: Conservation Bank Act. This bill called for $10 million annually from the state deed recording fees to be used for the protection of environmentally-sensitive properties in perpetuity. The public would have access to at least 10 percent of the properties protected annually.

2000: Brownfields Legislation (H.3266). Leventis was key in passing this bill to provide incentives to clean up and reuse abandoned industrial sites throughout the state.

1999: Conservation Incentives Act. In a sweeping new measure, Leventis helped push this proposal to allow an income tax credit equal to 25 percent of the value of a federal income tax charitable deduction for a gift of land for conservation or for a qualified conservation contribution of a qualified real property interest located in this state when donated after May 31, 2001.

1996: Swine rules. This successful measure required stringent siting and management regulations for hog operations.

2002: Swine regulations. Leventis fought to ensure that stringent rules remained intact and added stringent requirements for other animal operations.