Vetoed bill to rebuild banned sea wall for gated community
Charleston Post and Courier analysis of H 3700, May 15, 2019: Gov. McMaster has vetoed a bill that would have given a gated beach community special permission to rebuild a sea wall erected before the state banned them. DeBordieu Colony,
a wealthy enclave in Georgetown County, had tried several workarounds to reconstruct a timber bulkhead built in 1982, but its efforts have been beat back by challenges from environmentalists.
Veto message: Where the State has worked for
several years to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework to protect our shared coastal resources, it would be unwise to hastily enact a special exception to the Beachfront Management Act. I oppose a practice that is tantamount to enacting local or
special legislation, prohibited by our constitution.
Legislative Outcome: Passed Senate 34-3-5, Roll Call #404 on 5/5/19; Vetoed on 5/15/19; House Sustained Veto 60-43-19, Roll Call #698 on 5/20.
Oppose drilling and seismic testing along our coast
We cannot take for granted our precious natural resources which define and sustain us, from the mountains to the sea. Our economy and culture depend on a living, pristine coastline. Every municipality along our coast has voted to
oppose drilling and seismic testing. They are right.
We must do whatever it takes to preserve this economic paradise we call "the beach, the marsh, the coast and the lowcountry." It is made of gold.
Source: 2018 State of the State speech to South Carolina legislature
, Jan 24, 2018
Protect marsh islands from illegal encroachment
Henry loves South Carolina and the beautiful natural resources that can be found in every corner of our state. As Attorney General he helped protect our marsh islands from illegal encroachment and our states water supply from being diverted to other
areas. He also was integral in giving the State Grand Jury jurisdiction in crimes committed against our environment, a powerful weapon with which to combat the tragic consequences of inflicting damage to our natural resources.