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GA HR1298
Resolution
Status
Introduced
2/27/2024
Primary Sponsor
Mary Williams
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AI Summary
- Urges the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) to deny Georgia Power Company's waste handling permit applications to close coal ash pits in place where coal ash would remain submerged in groundwater at plants Hammond, Wansley, McDonough, Scherer, and Yates
- Urges the EPA to revoke its approval of Georgia's coal combustion residuals (CCR) permit program if EPD continues issuing permits that allow coal ash to remain in contact with groundwater
- Notes that coal ash contains toxic pollutants such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and chromium, and that the EPA has determined storing coal ash in contact with groundwater violates federal law
- Cites the EPA's denial or proposed denial of similar coal ash disposal permits in Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Texas, and Alabama as precedent, asserting that federal prohibitions on coal ash contact with groundwater are being enforced in every state except Georgia
- Argues that Georgia ratepayers bear the costs of coal ash disposal and will face additional expenses for future groundwater remediation, and references a Duke Energy cost analysis showing closure by excavation was less expensive than closure in place at all five sites studied
Legislative Description
Georgia Environmental Protection Division; protect Georgia's groundwater; urge
Last Action
House Second Readers
3/4/2024
Committee Referrals
Natural Resources and Environment2/29/2024
Full Bill Text
No bill text available