Wednesday, April 22, 2026
Good morning! It’s Earth Day today with events later this week in Savannah and Brunswick to help you celebrate. They’re listed below. But first we have a wrap-up of the right whale calving season, an explanation of the smoke that’s blanketed Coastal Georgia, a decision on a challenge to a PSC candidate’s residency, and a new program that promises more clean energy for Georgia.
Questions, tips or concerns? Send me a note at mary.landers@thecurrentga.org
FEATURE: ENVIRONMENT
Whale of a season
North Atlantic right whales produced at least 23 calves this season, giving researchers hope for the future of the highly endangered species, as The Current GA‘s Mary Landers reports. Whale experts shared their favorite moments from a very busy season, including the remarkable growth one calf demonstrated after just two months.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
New control of clean energy
Georgia Power is launching a new program that lets companies propose and fund their own clean energy projects, as Emily Jones of WABE/Grist reports. The Customer-Identified Resource program, which passed with bipartisan support, is expected to open by this summer. It aims to help companies meet their emissions-reduction targets and could be a model for other utilities around the country. Proponents of renewable energy hope the program will help cover the new demand the utility is predicting and accelerate the clean energy projects coming to the system.
NEWS: ELECTIONS
Sleeps in Cobb but votes in Fulton
Former Public Service Commissioner and current candidate Fitz Johnson testified that he never sleeps at the Fulton County house (on the right above) where he’s registered to vote, but he nevertheless survived a residency challenge to remain on the ballot for the PSC District 3 Republican primary on May 19, as The Current’s Mary Landers reports.
NEWS: ENVIRONMENT
Smoke explained
If you’ve been smelling smoke in Coastal Georgia, Emily Jones of WABE/Grist has a explanation of its source.
A wildfire in South Georgia has grown to nearly 9,000 acres and was just 10% contained as of Tuesday morning, according to the Georgia Forestry Commission. The Pinelands Road fire in Clinch County was one of 52 that started in just two days, April 18 and 19, as most of Georgia experiences drought conditions. Rainfall and water levels are far below normal across the state, increasing fire risk.
Also noted
Savannah celebrates Earth Day from 4-7 Friday April 24 at Daffin Park with interactive exhibits, hand-on workshops, a repair tent and more. See a full list of activities here.
Glynn Environmental Coalition lists its Brunswick-area Earth Day activities here. Events include an outing to Republic Services recycling facility in Jacksonville on April 23.
“Why don’t we have a Trader Joe’s? (and other questions everyone’s asking about housing and development),” 10 a.m. Saturday, April 25 at Trinity United Methodist Church, 225 W. President St., Savannah. The forum is part of a series sponsored by The Current, called “Current Conversations: Bridging Perspectives.”
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Right whale calving season yields 23 babies
North Atlantic right whales produced at least 23 calves this season, giving researchers hope for the future of the highly endangered species.
Pinelands Road fire in South Georgia expands to 9,000 acres, 10% contained
A wildfire in South Georgia has grown to nearly 9,000 acres and is only 10% contained due to drought conditions, with 52 fires started in two days and local governments imposing burn bans.
New program lets companies propose and build clean energy
Georgia Power is launching a new program that allows companies to propose and fund their own clean energy projects, providing an opportunity for companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and meet their emissions-reduction targets.
Fitz Johnson prevails in PSC residency challenge
A judge determined Fitz Johnson meets the legal residency requirement to run for the Republican nomination for the District 3 Georgia Public Service Commission seat.
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