Myrtle Beach – SC. Over 50 coastal residents joined conservationists and students from all over South Carolina to hold a "Clear the Air on Climate Change" celebration outside the South Carolina Democratic debate. Their message to candidates: South Carolina primary voters expect action on climate change and want a clean energy future.

"Climate change is a top concern of South Carolina primary voters," stated Colin Hagan, a graduate of Furman University and Greenville resident. "Whatever their party, presidential candidates need to offer concrete plans to lower carbon emissions and create a clean energy future."

South Carolina has tremendous clean energy potential in renewables like wind, solar, and biomass. Investing in these growing industries and in energy efficiency will promote energy independence and a cleaner environment. But out-of-state special interests are spending tens of thousands of dollars promoting two falsehoods: first, that coal is clean; and second, that South Carolina needs coal to meet its energy needs.

Holding up a lump of coal gathered from a nearby railroad track, Gina Sobel of the Back Porch Energy Initiative said, "Coal is clearly dirty. Each year South Carolina spends $740 million to import it from other states. If we want energy independence in South Carolina, we need leadership at every level, and that includes Washington."

A recent poll found that 81% of South Carolinian voters believe the US should reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. Over 100 State Representatives and 100 mayors have released open letters to candidates of both parties calling for presidential leadership on climate change.