Environmental Agency Director Nomination Stirs Debate in South Carolina Senate
A nomination for a key environmental leadership position in South Carolina has stirred controversy, highlighting the ongoing debates over climate change and regulatory approaches. Myra Reece, Gov. Henry McMaster’s appointee to lead the S.C. Department of Environmental Services, faced significant scrutiny during her confirmation hearing, particularly over her stance on climate change and her department’s regulatory track record.
Despite the intense questioning, Reece’s nomination advanced to the Senate floor with only one dissenting vote from the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. Her confirmation hearing on April 15 was marked by probing questions from York Republican Sen. Wes Climer, who challenged Reece on her department’s delayed response to the 2018 Beachfront Management Act.
Sen. Climer also questioned Reece about her views on climate change and South Carolina’s role in addressing it. Reece concluded that climate change is a global issue and did not believe the state government should play a direct role in addressing it. She highlighted her efforts against the Environmental Protection Agency’s push to impose environmental standards that could affect the state’s energy grid.
“A lot of that came down to the leadership of South Carolina,” Reece stated, defending her position.
Among the committee members, four Republicans abstained from voting, allowing Reece to proceed with the support of seven out of 13 members. Climer, who opposed her nomination, expressed concerns about her evasiveness and questioned her ability to balance regulatory responsibilities with property rights. He criticized her department’s handling of regulations, particularly those related to coastal conservation.
Climer’s opposition was echoed by multimillionaire activist Rom Reddy, who has pledged significant funds to challenge state lawmakers opposing his agenda. Reddy criticized Reece for her agency’s handling of shoreline regulations, calling her a “very dangerous person” in a social media post.
Reece defended her agency’s policies but acknowledged the delays in implementation, stating, “I think we could have done better and been more timely on that.”
The nomination process reflects broader tensions within the state government, as illustrated by the recent rejection of McMaster’s choice for the Department of Public Health. The debates underscore ongoing divisions regarding environmental policy and the role of state agencies in addressing global challenges.
Charleston Democratic Sen. Ed Sutton questioned the committee’s focus on climate change, inviting members to witness the effects of rising sea levels in his district. “You can’t solve a problem without looking at the cause of a problem,” Sutton argued.
As the nomination advances to the Senate floor, the debate over environmental policy and leadership in South Carolina continues, with significant implications for the state’s approach to climate change and regulatory oversight.
Original Story at www.postandcourier.com