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In Congress
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Environment Georgia’s Jennette Gayer urges Rep. Tom Price to support renewable energy. |
Safe Climate Act
In Washington, D.C., we met with Georgia’s congressional delegation to talk about the most important environmental threat our society is facing today: global warming. The good news is that the issue and the need for a solution are receiving serious attention in Washington. The bad news is there are a host of bills that would fall far short of significantly addressing the problem of global warming. By far the most comprehensive bill that implements the emission cuts that scientists have called for is the Safe Climate Act (HR 1590) by Congressman Henry Waxman (Calif.). The Safe Climate Act would require a 15 percent reduction in global warming pollution by 2020 and an 80 percent reduction by 2050.
Promoting Clean Energy
Research introduced by Environment Georgia’s recent report, “The Road to a New Energy Future,” proves that the best way to reach significant cuts in global warming pollution is by promoting clean energy alternatives like solar, wind and biopower. Environment Georgia backed HR 969 by Rep. Udall (Colo.) and Rep. Platts (Penn.), which will require the United States to generate 20 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020.
At the State Capitol
Protecting Georgia's Marshes
Georgia’s coastal salt marshes constitute one-third of the remaining marshlands on the East Coast. These important ecosystems filter pollutants, are an important barrier against flooding and damage from storms, and also provide a critical environment for fish and other wildlife. Indeed, these salt marsh ecosystems are one of the most productive and diverse types of ecosystem on the Earth. To protect the marsh for generations to come Rep. Harry Geisinger (Roswell) has presented legislation (HB 500) to extend the marsh buffer to 50 feet.
Jekyll Island
Jekyll Island, a state park with the expressed purpose of providing a vacation destination for the average Georgian, is being threatened by developers who have proposed Hilton Head-like developments, including high-end condominiums and hotels. Much of the debate focuses on the southern end of the island, which currently contains a 4H facility used by school groups from all over the state, soccer fields, and pristine beaches which serve as the nesting ground for sea turtles. Rep. Debbie Buckner (Junction City) has presented legislation, HB 548, which would require any redevelopment to preserve the southern end of the island.
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