Panel wants Haley staff to appear on GA port

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Senators reviewing a decision by South Carolina’s environmental agency to approve a permit allowing an expansion of the Savannah port say they want to hear from four members of Gov. Nikki Haley’s staff.

The Senate committee decided Tuesday to give Haley’s chief of staff, her attorney and two legislative liaisons another chance to answer questions publicly.

The Department of Health and Environmental Control’s board and staff told senators that Haley did not try to influence their vote. Chairman Allen Amsler says Haley told him the board should hear the appeal. But all six members say Haley put no pressure on them.

Agency staff rejected the water quality permit in September but reached an agreement with Georgia and the Army Corps of Engineers minutes before the scheduled appeal Nov. 10.