Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Appointments topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Senate confirms Myra Reese to lead Department of Environmental Services after divided floor debate, 29‑9
Summary
The Senate confirmed Myra C. Reese as director of the Department of Environmental Services by a vote of 29 to 9. Debate on the floor split largely on questions of environmental justice and private‑property enforcement by the agency.
The Senate confirmed Myra C. Reese of Columbia as director of the Department of Environmental Services by roll call vote, 29 to 9.
Senators who supported the confirmation noted Reese’s long tenure in agency leadership and described numerous constituent interactions in which she intervened to resolve local problems. Senators in opposition said those same anecdotes illustrated a pattern of agency overreach and expressed concerns about her record on private‑property issues and environmental‑justice priorities.
Senator Clymer (Senator from York) said he could not support the nomination, citing what he described as repeated agency actions that showed a ‘‘dim view of private property rights’’ and his belief that the nominee’s policy views would lead to enforcement outcomes he could not back. Supporters said Reese had institutional knowledge and experience running the agency’s predecessor programs.
The nominee was confirmed by roll call; the clerk reported the tally as 29 yeas and 9 nays. Several senators were recorded as not voting or abstaining on the roll calls described on the floor. The confirmation moves Reese to the agency post; the effective date of appointment was not specified on the floor record.
