SC Lawmakers Push for New Rules on Wetlands

By: Barbara Herring | WSAV-TV
Published: April 22, 2008

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Two House members are urging state environmental officials to simplify the process for getting permits for coastal development.

The State newspaper of Columbia reported Tuesday that Conway Representative Bill Witherspoon and Greenville Representative Dwight Loftis are pushing a resolution urging an update on the

rules.



The resolution does not have the force of law, but asks the Department of Health and Environmental Control to approve new development rules for coastal freshwater wetlands.



Conservationists tell the newspaper the proposed changes could weaken state rules protecting Carolina bays and swamps from Myrtle Beach to Hilton Head Island. They say the change could open thousands of acres of wetlands to development.



Supporters say the legislators only are trying to clarify a confusing set of rules.