Beach property owner urges Senate to block director of agency that fined him $289,000

Yahoo

05-04-2025

An Isle of Palms property owner who was fined $289,000 over construction of a seawall on the beach is fighting plans to make the acting director of the agency that penalized him the department's permanent chief.
But Rom Reddy says his recommendation that the Senate not confirm Myra Reece as director of the Department of Environmental Services is on behalf of property owners who can't afford to defend themselves against heavy-handed state enforcement efforts. Reddy, a wealthy owner of small newspapers, said he has the resources to challenge the Department of Environmental Services in court.
'The nomination of Myra Reece, a 30-year career bureaucrat, is a disgrace in a red state,'' Reddy said in a text to The State newspaper. 'I have personally experienced the police powers she and her agency have used. By the grace of God, I can afford to stand up to their bullying. They prey on the 80 percent of small businesses and citizens who cannot afford to stand up to their police powers.''
Reddy, who has started a political action committee, has run afoul of coastal regulators over construction of a seawall along the beach at the Isle of Palms. He now is involved in a legal fight with Reece's agency over the $289,000 fine last year. He disputes the state's position that the seawall was built illegally. State law restricts seawall construction because they can worsen beach erosion.
Reddy said South Carolina needs fresh leadership in its environmental protection department. He maintains that people's rights often have been infringed upon by overzealous government agencies. Reece declined comment Friday.
An enthusiastic supporter of Republican President Donald Trump, Reddy put $2.5 million into the political action committee and has launched a web site that supports a state version of Trump's Department of Government Efficiency, which is making deep cuts in the federal workforce and regulations.
Last fall, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster chose Reece to be the permanent director at the environmental services department, saying 'no one is more qualified or better positioned to lead this agency.'' He said her professionalism and commitment had earned his respect and the respect of others.
Reece, 66, is a North Augusta resident widely known in state government for her easygoing manner, her understanding of politics and her knowledge of environmental rules. She has a reputation as a consensus builder and is now steering efforts to come up with a comprehensive state water plan. Some of those who know her say she is not heavy-handed with enforcement.
Senators, who must confirm McMaster's appointment, have not met yet to discuss Reece, although they have confirmed some of McMaster's other picks, including Department of Natural Resources Director Tom Mullikin. A hearing on Reece would likely need to be held this month because the Legislative session ends in May.
One McMaster choice not confirmed by the Senate is Edward Simmer, who worked with Reece at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control before it was dissolved last July as part of government restructuring. A Senate committee this week did not deem Simmer qualified to be named permanent director of the new state Department of Public Health after an outcry from COVID vaccine opponents. The Medical Affairs committee voted 12-5 against Simmer.
York County Republican Wes Climer, who chairs the Senate agriculture committee that would vet Reece, declined to share any concerns committee members might have about Reece.
Among those on the committee is Sen. Stephen Goldinch, a Georgetown County lawmaker who has been highly critical of state coastal enforcement efforts. Goldfinch, a Republican from Murrells Inlet, has introduced legislation that would call for examination of whether certain state regulations are necessary. He was not available for comment Friday. He has led efforts to change development rules to help seaside property owners. A key question is how far back state jurisdiction extends from the ocean.
Many interest groups familiar with Reece's work at DHEC are backing her to become permanent director of the new environmental services department.
Environmental organizations, including Audubon SC, the S.C. Wildlife Federation, Upstate Forever and the Congaree Riverkeeper, as well as business associations, such as the Home Builders Association of South Carolina, have written letters of support for Reece becoming director at the environmental services agency. The Palmetto Agribusiness Council and the state Forestry Association, two major agricultural organizations, also have written letters of support, as has state Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.
'She enforces our state's environmental laws, protecting our state's natural resources and our economy, while maintaining a level of respect for farming and the people who make up the industry,'' Weathers wrote.
One coastal association, S.C. Beach Advocates, backs her, as well. The beach group's members include city officials who deal with oceanfront development issues.
'Her leadership style, which emphasizes balanced problem-solving, has garnered respect from a diverse array of stakeholders,'' wrote Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds, who chairs the beach advocates group.
Former DHEC employee Rebecca Haynes, who now heads Audubon SC, and one-time agency board member Rick Lee said they never found Reece to be overzealous in directing enforcement. Both said she is easy to work with and reasonable. Haynes and Lee said Reece has backed up staff members who were trying to uphold state environmental rules.
'She needs to be confirmed,'' Lee said.
Still, Reddy said South Carolina needs a new way of thinking about environmental issues, akin to that of Lee Zeldin, Trump's U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator. Zeldin has led efforts to rollback a plethora of regulations businesses say are burdensome and he has cut funding for an array of environmental programs.
Reddy called McMaster's choice of Reece to run the Department of Environmental Services a 'lazy'' one. He said Reece kowtows to environmental organizations who pressure the agency with lawsuits.
'You need a strong person who stands up for the citizens,'' Reddy said.