A homeowner from the Isle of Palms, who received a fine of $289,000 for building a seawall along the beach, is now opposing efforts to appoint the interim director of the regulatory body that issued the penalty as the permanent head of the department.
However, Rom Reddy states that his suggestion for the Senate not to approve Myra Reece as head of the Department of Environmental Services comes from concern over property owners who lack the means to contest aggressive state enforcement actions. Reddy, a affluent publisher of several small newspapers, mentioned that he possesses the financial capability to legally oppose the Department of Environmental Services.
The appointment of Myra Reece, a bureaucrat with three decades of experience, is an outrage in a conservative state," Reddy stated in a message to The State newspaper. "I've witnessed firsthand the extent of power wielded by her and her department through law enforcement. Thanks be to God, I possess the means to resist their intimidation tactics. These authorities exploit the 80% of small business owners and individuals who lack the resources to challenge their oppressive methods.
Reddy, founder of a political action committee, finds himself entangled in a dispute with coastal regulators regarding the construction of a seawall along the shoreline at the Isle of Palms. Currently, he is embroiled in a legal battle with Reece’s agency concerning this issue. $289,000 fine last year He challenges the government's stance that the seawall was constructed unlawfully. State regulations limit the building of seawalls due to their potential impacts. worsen beach erosion.
Reddy stated that South Carolina requires new leadership within its environmental protection sector. He believes that individuals' rights have frequently been violated due to overly aggressive governmental bodies. Reece chose not to comment on this matter on Friday.
A fervent advocate for Republican President Donald Trump, Reddy invested $2.5 million into a political action committee and has established a website endorsing a state-level replica of Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to significantly reduce both the state workforce and regulatory measures.
Last autumn, Governor Henry McMaster of the Republican Party appointed Reece as the permanent head of the environmental services department, stating “ No one is better suited for the role. He mentioned that her professionalism and dedication had won him over along with others, making her well-suited to head the agency.
Reece, aged 66, is a resident of North Augusta who enjoys widespread recognition within state governance due to her laid-back demeanor, political acumen, and expertise in environmental regulations. Known for fostering agreement among differing parties, Reece is currently leading initiatives aimed at developing an all-encompassing statewide water management strategy. Those familiar with her assert that she approaches regulatory matters without being overly forceful.
The senators responsible for confirming McMaster’s appointment have not convened their initial meeting to address Reece’s nomination. However, they have approved several of McMaster’s other appointments, such as the Department of Natural Resources Director, Tom Mullikin. Given that the legislative session concludes in May, a hearing regarding Reece should ideally take place within this month.
A McMaster nominee whose appointment wasn’t finalized by the Senate is Edward Simmer. He previously collaborated with Reece at the state Department of Health and Environmental Control prior to its dissolution last July due to governmental restructuring. This week, a Senate committee decided that Simmer isn't fit for the role of permanent head of the newly established state Department of Public Health following criticism from those opposing COVID vaccinations.
Wes Climer, the chairman of the Senate committee that would review Reece, declined to disclose any potential reservations Committee members may harbor regarding Reece. He represents York County as a Republican.
Included among those serving on the committee is Senator Stephen Goldinch, a legislator from Georgetown County known for his significant involvement. skeptical about government's protection measures along the coast Efforts. Goldfinch, a GOP member from Murrells Inlet, has introduced legislation That would require an assessment of whether particular state regulations are essential. He remained unavailable for comments on Friday. He has spearheaded initiatives to modify development policies aimed at assisting coastal property owners. An important issue revolves around determining how extensively state authority reaches inland from the sea.
Numerous interest groups acquainted with Reece’s efforts at DHEC are supporting her candidacy to assume the role of permanent director for the newly established environmental services department.
Various environmental groups like Audubon SC, the S.C. Wildlife Federation, Upstate Forever, and the Congaree Riverkeeper, along with industry bodies such as the Home Builders Association of South Carolina, have sent supportive letters endorsing Reece’s appointment as head of the environmental services agency. Additionally, significant farming organizations—the Palmetto Agribusiness Council and the state Forestry Association—have expressed their backing through written communications. State Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers has similarly supported this nomination via his own letter.
"She implements our state’s environmental regulations, safeguarding our state’s natural assets and economic well-being, all while showing due consideration for agriculture and those involved in this sector," Weathers penned.
A coastal organization called S.C. Beach Advocates supports her position as well. This group includes municipal officials who handle matters related to oceanfront development.
"Her approach to leadership, focusing on equitable conflict resolution, has earned admiration from various stakeholder groups," noted Isle of Palms Mayor Phillip Pounds, who heads the coastal advocacy organization.
Rebecca Haynes, who previously worked at DHEC and currently leads Audubon SC, along with former agency board member Rick Lee, stated that they never perceived Reece as overly aggressive when guiding enforcement actions. They both noted her cooperative nature and fairness. According to Haynes and Lee, Reece supported her team members who aimed to enforce South Carolina’s environmental regulations.
Lee stated, “She has to be confirmed.”
Nevertheless, Reddy stated that South Carolina requires a fresh approach to environmental matters, similar to that advocated by Lee Zeldin, who serves as Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency under President Trump. Zeldin has spearheaded initiatives aimed at dismantling numerous regulations deemed cumbersome by businesses and has reduced financial support for various environmental programs.
Reddy criticized McMaster’s selection of Reece to lead the Department of Environmental Services as "lackadaisical." According to Reddy, Reece tends to yield excessively to environmental groups that frequently threaten legal action against the agency.
"You require someone resilient who advocates for the citizens," Reddy stated.