Another unanimous vote against DHEC

COLUMBIA — A measure suspending the authority of South Carolina’s environmental agency to make dredging decisions for the Savannah River received another unanimous vote in the Senate on Wednesday, putting it a step away from the governor’s desk.

The joint resolution is designed to help lawmakers’ efforts in undoing a water quality permit granted by the Department of Health and Environment Control, which allows Georgia to expand the Savannah port.

The Senate added a clause Wednesday clarifying that the retroactive suspension applies specifically to the Savannah port issue, so unrelated permits for the river aren’t affected. The House is expected to agree to the change, which would send the measure to Gov. Nikki Haley to sign or veto. She could also allow it to take effect without her signature.

The Republican governor has drawn fire for asking her board chairman to hear Georgia’s appeal.

In a rare show of unanimity last week, House Republicans and Democrats took turns decrying the decision as disastrous to the state’s economy and environment, before approving the measure 111-0.

The Senate followed this week with back-to-back votes Tuesday and Wednesday of 37-0, though without discussion.

“Every member of the General Assembly is speaking very clearly that we don’t like the path we were going down concerning the future of our ports,” said Rep. Jim Merrill, R-Charleston, the primary sponsor. He wishes the agency and Haley would call the decision a mistake and join legislators in their efforts, “so we could talk with one voice, instead of being divided.”

Haley has remained steadfast in supporting the board, made up entirely of members she appointed last year.

Haley spokesman Rob Godfrey called the Senate vote “an unfortunate overstep.