Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025
Good morning! We’re leading today with reports on Georgia’s state marine mammal, the highly endangered North Atlantic right whale. We then have an update on Georgia Power’s latest three-year plan and a look at how Trump’s promise to “Unleash American Energy” may collide with Georgia’s clean energy jobs.
Be sure to stop by our booth if you attend the Savannah Book Festival this weekend. Details below.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
EXPLAINER: ENVIRONMENT
Glory and grind of right whales
Whale watching as a tourist activity is pure exhilaration. As research work, it’s a near daily grind of tedium and harsh conditions punctuated by danger. The Current’s visual journalist Justin Taylor and environment reporter Mary Landers accompanied Georgia DNR scientists on a recent day-long survey for North Atlantic right whales off the Georgia coast. Taylor’s photo essay gives a rare up-close view of these bus-sized beasts and the people studying them. Landers’ article examines how failed federal protections add to the uncertainty researchers face: Are they documenting the whales’ extinction or are they supporting their recovery?
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Georgia Power wants more power
Georgia’s largest electric provider, Georgia Power, is planning to continue to operate coal plants and add more natural gas to meet the state’s growing energy demand. While its recently released three-year “Integrated Resource Plan” also adds renewables, environmental advocates have criticized the plan for relying heavily on fossil fuels in the face of a climate crisis, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports. The final plan will be approved by the Georgia Public Service Commission after public hearings, where experts will weigh in on the proposals.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Trump threatens Ga. clean energy jobs
President Donald Trump’s return to the White House marks a shift in environmental policy, with the administration aiming to roll back environmental regulations and reduce funding for environmental conservation efforts. While Coastal Georgia Congressman Buddy Carter is cheering on what Trump calls “Unleashing American Energy,” the policy proposals have sparked concerns among Georgia’s clean energy advocates, who are closely watching the state’s efforts to establish itself as the U.S. e-mobility capital. Georgia Recorder’s Stanley Dunlap reports.
Upcoming events
- Stop by The Current‘s booth at The Savannah Book Festival from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 8 in Telfair Square in Savannah. The event features book signings, book sales, author lectures, and food as well as the chance to tell us what’s on your mind, or just say hello. We’d love to meet you!
- Super Museum Sunday is this Sunday, Feb. 9. Participating Georgia museums are free, including many in Coastal Georgia. Visit native animals at Oatland Island Wildlife Center in Savannah or learn about the history of telecommunications at the ITPA Telephone Museum in Hinesville. This popular event is organized as part of the annual Georgia History Festival. See the 2025 Super Museum Sunday – Georgia History Festival site to pick out a museum or historic site to explore.
- The City of Savannah is inviting Savannahians to help develop a strategic plan to shape the future of the city through a new initiative, Savannah GPS. A public, online survey is now live at //savannahga.gov/gps. City staff and elected leaders are also hosting community engagement meetings. The following meetings remain: 6 p.m. Wednesday Feb. 5 for Aldermanic District 5 at Liberty City Community Center, 1401 Mills B. Lane Blvd.; 6 p.m. Thursday Feb. 6 for Aldermanic District 4 at the Jewish Educational Alliance, 5111 Abercorn St.; 6 p.m. Friday Feb. 7 for Aldermanic District 1 at Coastal Georgia Center, 305 Fahm St.; and 6 p.m. Monday Feb. 10 for Aldermanic District 3 at the Pennsylvania Ave. Resource Center, 425 Pennsylvania Ave.
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Right whales face uncertain future, but research continues
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has abandoned plans to expand a vessel speed rule aimed at protecting North Atlantic right whales, but the local work of documenting the whales in their calving grounds in Georgia continues.
A look at the search for endangered right whales off Coastal Georgia
Journalists accompany researchers to monitor presence of the rare North American right whales off the Georgia coast.
Georgia Power cancels coal plant closures, chooses fossil fuels to meet demand
Georgia Power’s 2025 integrated resource plan proposes a major increase in energy demand, with a focus on fossil fuels and a smaller role for renewables, despite previous commitments to transition to cleaner energy sources.
Courts protect clean energy policies and Ga. EV jobs from Trump’s ax, for now
President Donald Trump’s second term at the White House marks a reversal of environmental regulations, with a focus on economic growth over environmental concerns, potentially affecting Georgia’s clean energy goals and investments.
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