The South Carolina Senate voted unanimously yesterday to override the governor’s veto of a resolution that will reverse DHEC’s disastrous decision to award permits to the state of Georgia for port expansion. DHEC made its decision in spite of objections of both the environmentalist and business communities.
Members of the Senate Republican Caucus reacted to the override, and thanked their colleagues for their votes on the bill:
“Our agencies need to be looking out for South Carolina, not for the state of Georgia ,” said Senate Majority Leader Harvey Peeler . “ DHEC was wrong to issue this permit, and it was the legislature’s job to step in and right that wrong. We look forward to working with Governor Haley on any number of issues this session, but we just don’t see eye to eye on this one.”
“The governor’s veto of this resolution was just as off base as DHEC’s decision ,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Glenn McConnell . “ This is not about separation of powers – it’s about reining in a rogue agency that wasn’t following science or the law. Our vote today is not only about protecting our port infrastructure and the environment; it’s about sending a message that state agencies are not free to disregard the law.”
“Georgia’s dredging plans, as approved by the DHEC board, kills the Jasper port. That approval by our own state board was a slap in the face to those who have worked so hard over the past five years to make that port a reality, ” Senator Tom Davis said. “ It boggles the mind to think the DHEC board would tell Georgia it was ok to dump its spoil on the Jasper port site until the year 2060, but that’s exactly what it did. Today’s action by the Senate represents a step toward trying to undo the damage.”
“Today it’s a great day in South Carolina. Rather than standing for the people of Georgia, the Senate unanimously voted to protect the interests of the people of South Carolina, ” Senator Larry Grooms said.
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Dredging Today Staff, March 2, 2012