Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025
Good morning! We have an update today about removing “forever chemicals” from Savannah’s drinking water. Then we turn to rising electric bills and an effort to revive a state-level consumer advocate. Plus, your input is requested on the State Wildlife Action Plan. Lastly, don’t miss upcoming events focused on wildlife — of the feathered and six-legged varieties.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Savannah sues over forever chemicals
As Savannah gears up to use more river water to meet the growing demands of development, that water is subject to more stringent standards for PFAS, so-called “forever chemicals.” Savannah is looking to defray the cost of removing PFAS — which scientists link to severe health impacts — by suing 65 companies that make and use them along the Savannah River. A lawsuit filed earlier this month seeks damages to pay for filtering systems needed to remove all PFAS from drinking water, as The Current’s Mary Landers reports.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Push for utility consumer advocate
Georgia state lawmakers are again trying to revive a state office to advocate for utility customers this time with Senate Bill 94. A similar effort passed the state Senate last year but foundered in the House, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports.
Georgia is one of only four states that lacks a consumer utility counsel to represent the interests of utility customers before state and federal regulators and in courts. Georgia used to have one, until budget cuts eliminated it during the 2008 financial crisis.
Savannah Democrat Derek Mallow is the only Coastal legislator signed on to the bill.
And while we’re on the subject of the Public Service Commission, check out this story in the Columbus Ledger-Enquirer that examined how the PSC seems impervious to public comment begging for cleaner energy sources.
“The average consumer out there wants to be able to turn the light on when they ask for it, and to be able to pay the bill,” PSC Commissioner Lauren “Bubba” McDonald told McClatchy. “That’s what they want. They are not concerned whether it’s generated with coal-fired gas. There are pockets of concerns, and we hear those, but they’re just small pockets.”
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Wanted: Public comment on wildlife conservation
On Tuesday, Georgia released its draft State Wildlife Action Plan, a statewide strategy to conserve native wildlife and its habitats before these animals, plants and places become rarer and more costly to conserve or restore.
The State Wildlife Action Plan is important not only because it provides a conservation road map, but also because Congress requires an approved plan for states to receive State Wildlife Grants. Those are the main federal funding source for Georgia to conserve animals that aren’t fished for or hunted.
To read and comment on the draft, visit this website.
Upcoming events:
- Tybee Island Marine Science Center and Manomet Conservation Sciences are offering three days of celebration, education, and action at the Tybee Spring Shorebird Festival from Feb. 20-22. Events include panel discussions, shorebird training and walk, and a family-friendly festival on Saturday, Feb. 22. All events are free and most take place at the Tybee Island Marine Science Center, 37 Meddin Dr.,
Tybee Island. Click here for more information.
- The nonprofit Coastal WildScapes’ “Invertebrates Unveiled” symposium will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1 at The Richmond Hill City Center, JF Gregory Park, 520 Cedar St, Richmond Hill. Tickets are $60 members, $70 non-members, & $25 students, lunch included. The nonprofit’s educational program features experts on dragonflies, butterflies, fireflies and other invertebrates, with tips to protect them in your yard. A catered lunch will be provided. Find more information and register here.
We want to meet your friends! If you like this newsletter be sure to share it. And, if someone shared this with you, click here to sign up for regular delivery!
Savannah sues PFAS polluters, seeks water treatment funds
Savannah wants companies that make, sell, use and discharge the per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (“PFAS”) found in Savannah’s water supply to pay for the treatment needed to remove these “forever chemicals.” The city filed a complaint on Feb. 5 in Chatham County Superior Court against 65 companies ranging from chemical giant Dupont to […]
Lawmakers try to revive utility consumer advocate
This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WABE and Grist, a nonprofit environmental media organization. This story also appeared in Grist and WABE Some Georgia state legislators are again trying to revive a state office to advocate for utility customers. A similar effort passed the state Senate last year but foundered […]
On front lines against bird flu, egg farmers say they’re losing battle
The highly pathogenic avian influenza virus has caused over 150 million birds to be killed in the U.S. and human cases have surged since March 2024, with the first human death reported last month. Experts are calling for a new prevention strategy, including vaccination, to reduce the risk to humans.
Trump administration slashes Georgia CDC workforce by 10% in sweeping cuts
The Trump administration’s sweeping jobs cuts have resulted in the loss of nearly 1,300 jobs at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Georgia, with U.S. Sens. Ossoff and Warnock condemning the move as a threat to public health.
The Current GA is part of The Trust Project.
Read our policies.
Support independent, solutions-based investigative journalism without bias, fear or favor on issues affecting Savannah and Coastal Georgia.
WITH GENEROUS SUPPORT FROM
You must be logged in to post a comment.