Gov. Mark Sanford on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would allow the state attorney general to trigger criminal anti-price-gouging laws if he determines that gasoline supplies have been abnormally disrupted.

In a veto message to House Speaker Bobby Harrell, Sanford said that the governor, "in his role as the state's chief executive officer, should determine whether an abnormal disruption of pricing for goods and services has occurred to trigger the anti-price gouging law."

Under current law, the governor's declaration of an emergency -- or a presidential declaration in the state -- triggers the state's anti-price-gouging statute.

"This is an important piece of legislation to protect South Carolina residents after a disaster and I am shocked that he vetoed it," Harrell, a Republican, told The Greenville News.

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Harrell said he believes the House has enough votes to override the Republican governor's veto. The Senate also has to override the veto.

In a statement, Attorney General Henry McMaster, also a Republican, said he regretted Sanford's action, "especially since we are six days into hurricane season."

The legislation was filed following Hurricane Katrina-related gas shortages last summer that caused steep increases in pump prices.