On January 5, 2010 the South Carolina Wildlife Federation along with the National Wildlife Federation and 25x ’25 hosted a workshop on the opportunities and challenges that a climate and energy policy presents for agriculture and forestry sectors in South Carolina.  The day-long meeting held at the Harbison State Forest Environmental Education Center was host to more than 120 attendees throughout the day and even US Senator Lindsey Graham who joined us mid-day to share with us the most up-to-date report on the challenges he faces in D.C. as he continues to seek common ground with his colleagues on challenging issues like health care reform and energy issues.  Most importantly, he asked of for our support to help him enact a strong climate and energy policy this year.
 
Participants and attendees traveled from all corners of the US to participate in the workshop-- including Vermont, California, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, and of course South Carolina.  We heard from distinguished speakers representing diverse points of view so the discussion remained lively until the end of the day.  Foresters, farmers, biotech companies, economists, engineers, carbon market experts, professors, biomass producers, policy and lumber products experts, conservationists, legislators, and state agency representatives.  Thank you to everyone who took time out of your busy schedules to begin the year with us and to continue our education on the climate and energy policy debate.