Well, since HB 370 failed to make headway, some disreputable politico changed up some wording to still help whoever is paying them get what they want.
Thanks, One Hundred Miles, for letting me know so I could alert Edna Jackson!
Dear Representative Edna Jackson,
I am very concerned about a bill in the House that seems like it's great for the Okefenokee—but it is NOT. I am referring to SB 132.
The House Rules Committee recently substituted language in Senate Bill (SB) 132 that would impose a statewide moratorium on new dragline mining permit applications to the Georgia EPD for three years.
A moratorium on mining sounds like an excellent way to protect the Okefenokee Swamp. HOWEVER, SB132’s moratorium would be meaningless, with no lasting benefits to the Swamp it's claiming to protect.
I am concerned about two key bill provisions in particular:
First, the moratorium would only prohibit new applications for dragline mining, a type of mining that is not currently utilized by any company in Georgia. Twin Pines has a pending application with GA EPD for a dragline mining permit on Trail Ridge. But even if the bill passes and the moratorium is implemented, it would not affect Twin Pines’ current application for dragline mining or limit other types of mining by Twin Pines or other companies.
Second, the bill contains a loophole that could allow Twin Pines to avoid the moratorium altogether. Despite a three-year moratorium on new dragline permit applications, the bill would allow for modifications to existing permits or permit applications submitted or granted before June 30, 2024. Therefore, even if SB132 passes, this dangerous loophole could allow them to amend their permit or permit application to include the entire 8,000 acres the company plans to mine.
For more than five years, OHM has worked in good faith with hundreds of community members and coalition partners to prevent mining from harming our Okefenokee Swamp. In response to Twin Pines’ mining application, concerned citizens from across the country have voiced support for a permanent legislative solution, like the one proposed in HB71.
As you likely know, there has been tremendous pressure to act. SB132 is a short-sighted, watered-down bill that is an attempt to trick the public. The swamp is not safe and will not be, even if SB132 passes.
Please oppose SB132 because it is a meaningless moratorium that will not result in permanent or long-term protections for the Okefenokee Swamp against mining. Protect our Swamp: Vote AGAINST SB 132!
Sincerely,
Faustina, your constituent
1 comment:
Dear Faustina,
Yesterday, after years of tireless advocacy to protect the Okefenokee Swamp, Georgians everywhere had a reason to celebrate: the Okefenokee is SAFE from the proposed Twin Pines Minerals mine!
One Hundred Miles is proud to have played an important role in helping this historic deal come together. Last December, in preparation for the legislative session, we were approached by a group of potential funders and powerful leaders about the possibility of helping with a land acquisition strategy. Knowing that The Conservation Fund (TCF) had been in conversation with Twin Pines in the past, we reached out and offered to help. Together we decided it was the right time to try and make the deal happen. After much hard work and many months of conversations, negotiations, struggles, and compromise, we are thrilled that the parties were able to come together and finalize the purchase.
As we celebrate TCF's historic announcement, we recognize that it is a victory for all of us: for the hundreds of thousands of Georgians who made phone calls, signed petitions, spoke at public hearings, and contacted their elected representatives. It was made possible by the advocates who refused to give up—the ones who spoke out year after year, sent letter after letter, and educated their friends and neighbors. And it is a testament to the past generations of Georgians, the ones who came before us to build the foundation of advocacy and love for the Swamp on which we stand today.
If you're like me, the celebration hasn't subsided yet—and likely won't for some time. But while there is joy and pride in our hearts, we recognize that there is still so much work left to do. There are still funds to be raised. There is additional land on Trail Ridge that could still be mined. Eliminating the threat of mining from the Twin Pines property is huge. Now it's time for us to work together to secure all of Trail Ridge.
We pledge to keep you updated on these crucial next steps and—of course—all the ways you can continue to make your voices heard.
Thank you for standing beside us in the fight to protect the Okefenokee Swamp—and for everything you continue to do to help us protect the coast we love.
And again, congratulations!
Megan Desrosiers & the OHM team
P.S. Faustina, when we say 'We cannot do this important work without you' — we mean it. OHM was in a position to assist TCF and conduct crucial advocacy with leaders and funders because of supporters like YOU: our network of dedicated supporters and advocates who make monumental efforts like this one possible, day in and day out.
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