Columbia, SC  –  May 28, 2025 – Today, America Is All In – the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of U.S. climate action – hosts, with the City of Columbia and Sustain SC, a joint workshop bringing together local officials, business, higher education and community leaders to explore the role of public-private partnerships in advancing economic prosperity, resilience, and sustainability in Columbia and across South Carolina. The workshop, held at the Columbia Convention Center, showcases Columbia’s local climate action plan and explored opportunities for further progress towards a cleaner, healthier, more affordable economy.

"In Columbia, we take immense pride in the strides our city has made toward a healthier and more prosperous future that lowers costs for our residents while bringing in the good-paying jobs of the future. From attracting clean energy industries to fostering community-driven, sustainable solutions, our progress is proof that we can be good stewards of our environment, our residents, and our economy, all at once,” said Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann who serves on the America Is All In Leaders Circle and Climate Mayors’ Steering Committee. “We are honored to host this important event, showcasing what’s possible when cities and communities lead the way."

"Today in Columbia we celebrate not just the progress of a city, but the power of local leadership in driving meaningful climate action. Columbia is an example of how communities can come together to innovate, inspire, and implement solutions that make a real difference in people’s lives. From clean energy advancements to resilient infrastructure, the stories shared here today remind us how local action can help us drive national progress while making energy more affordable, air cleaner, and our economy stronger,” said Elizabeth Lien, Program Director for America Is All In.

“South Carolina’s economy depends on the strength of our natural resources. Across the state, communities are showing that sustainability drives innovation, supports job growth and secures long-term opportunity,” said Leslie Skardon, CEO of Sustain SC. “By aligning our economy with our environment, South Carolina is setting the standard for sustainable growth. Together, we can build a resilient future for the state’s economy, environment and people.”

In addition to opening remarks from Mayor Rickenmann, America Is All In Program Director Elizabeth Lien and Sustain SC CEO Leslie Skardon, the event includes sessions around how public-private partnerships inform sustainability and resilience planning, discussions around community benefits planning, and an overview of the city's current climate action framework and objectives. These sessions feature several local speakers, including Ethel Bunch, Founder of Global 2 Local and Sustain SC; Jessica Siron, Senior Director of Environment, Health, Safety & Sustainability for Scout Motors, and more.

"Scout Motors is proud to call South Carolina home as we build our first factory in Blythewood to produce electrified trucks and SUVs. Today’s workshop highlights the incredible potential of local leadership to drive innovation and create a more sustainable future. South Carolina’s commitment to clean energy and forward-thinking solutions aligns perfectly with our mission to redefine mobility while protecting the environment,” said Jessica Siron, Senior Director Environment, Health & Safety for Scout Motors. “We’re excited to be part of a community that values collaboration and progress, and we look forward to contributing to the state’s leadership in sustainable economic development."
 

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About America Is All In
America Is All In is the most expansive coalition of leaders ever assembled in support of climate action in the United States. Mobilizing thousands of U.S. cities, states, tribal nations, businesses, schools, and faith, health, and cultural institutions, the coalition is focused on developing and delivering an ambitious, all-in national climate strategy that meets the urgency of the climate crisis; scaling climate action around the country to accelerate the transition to a 100 percent clean energy economy; and promoting the leadership of non-federal actors on the world stage. America Is All In champions a whole-of-society mobilization to deliver the transformational change that science demands, with the goal of a healthy, prosperous, equitable, and sustainable future. To learn more or get involved, visit www.americaisallin.com and follow us on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Bluesky.