[ August 10, 2020 ] Natural Resources and Environmental legislation
In our beautiful area, Georgia owns and oversees quite a bit of land that may be in a park, historical area or wildlife management area. We, as citizens of Georgia, own more than one million acres of public land for wildlife management and research efforts and over 60 state parks and historic sites. The Vann House, Fort Mountain State Park, Dawson Forest WMA are important to our region. State parks attract over 11 million visitors annually, while providing the state with an economic value of $1 billion and over 10,000 local jobs. Georgia is also home to more than 500,000 acres of public waters and 16,000 miles of streams and rivers.

Georgia?s hunters, anglers, and boaters generated over $18 million in license revenue in FY 2019, and when combined with $32 million in federal funds partially tied to purchased licenses and $29 million in other funds, allows the state to invest over $44 million in game management, $17 million in fisheries, and $10 million for wildlife conservation. The state?s hunters and anglers give more financial support towards conservation efforts in the state than all other conservation groups combined. Georgians also support the state?s efforts to preserve our natural resources by purchasing specialty license plates, of which $2.4 million is going directly to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

During this last legislative session, a number of things came up that I thought you should know. In a tight budget year, we found ways to make sure to protect Georgia?s environment. We included $4.5 million in new dollars to fully fund the hazardous-waste trust funds. These dollars help clean up hazardous waste sites, collect scrap tires, and manage old landfills. These sites are all over the state in everyone?s back yards and need oversight. We are also continuing to reinvest in all of those parks by issuing $17 million in bonds to keep them in good repair and safe for all of us.

We don?t have one in our area, but HB 857 prohibits the burning of railroad ties treated with creosote or for the purpose of commercial electricity generation. This has been a big problem in northeast Georgia. HB 998 will allow the use of an air gun for hunting big game until July 1, 2025, at which time the General Assembly shall review the statute. This type of air gun isn?t like the kind I use in chasing squirrels; the air guns are much more powerful.

We all use welcome centers while traveling around the country, and SB 474 moves the welcome centers to the Department of Natural Resources. Everyone involved agreed this was a needed change. SB 308b> makes it easier to remove abandoned boats from state waters. This has been important after hurricanes that places boats where they can?t be removed easily.

The oversight of coal ash waste is a big issue in Georgia. Coal Ash is a byproduct of making electricity with coal. There were a number of bills that worked to decrease the environmental impact and financial impact to areas where they are located.

We continue to assist many with issues relating to unemployment and many other problems with the State. I don?t mind at all when folks ask me when are out shopping, very limited right now, to look into a personal issue. If you don?t see me in person, you can call me at 404-656-7153 or email me at rick.jasperse@house.ga.gov. Thank you for the opportunity to serve you in the Georgia House of Representatives.