SC Senate panel to debate subpoenaing Haley staff

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — South Carolina state senators are scheduled to debate whether to subpoena four members of Gov. Nikki Haley’s staff to answer questions about a water quality permit approved to dredge the Savannah River.

A Senate committee reviewing the approval is scheduled for Friday.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control reached an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers and Georgia minutes before the board appointed by Haley was to hear an appeal.

Its chairman told senators on Tuesday that Haley asked that the board hear Georgia out. But all six members testified Haley did not pressure them to approve the permit allowing the expansion of Savannah’s port.

Haley and her staff have refused to appear before the senators. She says it’s unnecessary and could set a bad precedent.