The General Assembly picks back up this week after a break to focus on the budget process this year. There are still a number of other issues on the table this year besides the budget. The Georgia Conservancy and the Association of Georgia Land Trusts are meeting with legislators Tuesday to discuss land use and conservation issues in the state.
There are a number of bills the Conservancy is following and that could impact environmental laws and potential land use, either for agribusiness or recreation.
House Bill 901 was filed earlier this month by Rep. Mike Cheokas (R-136 Americus) and would reinstate the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority’s (GEFA) ability to provide loans to local governments and non-profits through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. Loans would go to projects that protect land and water and are consistent with certain conservation strategies, including water quality protection; protection of prime agricultural and forestry lands; the protection of cultural sites, heritage corridors, and archaeological and historic resources; and nature-based outdoor recreation. The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Coalition and the GEFA are all partnering to advance the bill.
Another new bill, filed this week by Rep. Darlene Taylor (R-173 Thomasville) addresses the Georgia Heritage Trust Program and would allow the DNR to transfer title – and responsibility – for a maximum of up to 15 acres from a state heritage preserve to a “willing county or local government or private entity.” Existing law allows for the “willing county or local government” to take title but this bill would add private entity to the list. The aim of the bill is to allow for better maintenance of historic properties and take some properties off the plate of the DNR.
One bill that has already made some news but may not make it very far this year is Senate Bill 280, sponsored by Sen. Donzella James (D-35 Atlanta), which would prohibit the distribution of plastic grocery bags by retail stores to customers. The bill does allow for an exemption on a number of other plastic bags and containers. The bill is scheduled for a hearing this week in the Senate Committee on Economic Development and Tourism.
Among a number of other conservation related bills this year are a handful that involve coal ash ponds. Senate Bill 123 is sponsored by Sen. William Ligon (R-3 Brunswick) and would increase the fees per ton for coal ash disposal. Currently, the rate is set at $1.00, with a slated increase to $2.00 in 2025. SB 123 would increase it to $2.50 per ton and the rate change would go into effect for new contracts after July of this year. The goal of the bill would be to reduce the amount of out-of-state coal ash accepted by solid waste facilities. With a Republican sponsor, it could have a chance.
The biggest conservation issue so far this year happened in committee, where the first slate of Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program grant applications were approved by the Department of Natural Resources Board and by the House Appropriations Sub Committee of General Government. Pending the corresponding Senate committee’s approval, the projects will go into a second round of approvals to work with DNR staff on budgets, environmental reviews and could receive funds as early as May.
