Kemp and McMaster Sign Joint Pledge on Water and Growth

Governors address environmental leaders on balancing economic development and environmental concerns.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:20pm

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A serene, painterly scene depicting the silhouettes of two state capitol buildings in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of political cooperation and environmental stewardship.The joint pledge between Georgia and South Carolina's governors underscores the delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection in the fast-developing border region.Augusta Today

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster spoke at the Environmental Council of the States spring meeting, discussing how they prioritize economic development and environmental protection in their states. The two governors signed a collaboration commitment on water economy and the environment-economy relationship, highlighting the importance of cooperation and communication between states as the Georgia-South Carolina border region experiences rapid growth.

Why it matters

The discussion between Kemp and McMaster underscores the challenges states face in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability, especially in fast-growing regions like the Georgia-South Carolina border. Their joint pledge demonstrates a commitment to finding ways to support industries like agriculture and tourism that rely on environmental protection, while also promoting responsible development.

The details

During the fireside chat, Kemp and McMaster spoke about how their states' biggest industries, such as agriculture and tourism, depend on environmental protection. They emphasized the importance of 'growing the right way' and highlighted sustainability efforts at the ports, like electrifying cranes and trains. At the end of the discussion, the two governors signed a collaboration commitment on water economy and the environment-economy relationship.

  • The Environmental Council of the States spring meeting took place on Monday, March 30, 2026.
  • Former Georgia Sen. John F. Kennedy visited Augusta, Georgia on the same day as the governors' discussion.

The players

Brian Kemp

The governor of Georgia.

Henry McMaster

The governor of South Carolina.

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What they’re saying

“Without economy, growth, without the environmental and cultural heritage, and without good, solid education, those are the three things you have to have and they have to all be a part of the same effort.”

— Henry McMaster, Governor of South Carolina

“Very important that you're growing the right way. Thinking about our ports' sustainability efforts, and some of the things that they've done, electrifying cranes and trains, and other things really sets an example for other parts of the country.”

— Brian Kemp, Governor of Georgia

What’s next

The governors' joint pledge on water economy and the environment-economy relationship will likely lead to further collaboration and policy initiatives between Georgia and South Carolina to promote sustainable growth in the region.

The takeaway

Kemp and McMaster's discussion highlights the delicate balance states must strike between economic development and environmental protection, especially in fast-growing areas. Their joint pledge demonstrates a commitment to finding innovative ways to support key industries while also preserving the natural resources that are essential to their states' economies and communities.