Transcript Georgia’s Environmental Issues • Georgia’s record drought • Growing population • Rising energy prices • Air quality concerns • Land degradation • Environmental concerns can lessen the.

Georgia’s Environmental Issues
• Georgia’s record drought
• Growing population
• Rising energy prices
• Air quality concerns
• Land degradation
• Environmental concerns can
lessen the appeal of Georgia to
business and industry
Current Activities by State of Georgia
Climate Change Specific:
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Member of Climate Registry
Green Retreat (P2AD of DNR)
Carbon Sequestration Inventory completed by Forestry Commission
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement signed by 8 Georgia mayors
American College and University Presidents Climate Challenge signed by 11 Georgia college presidents
Georgia updating Greenhouse Gas inventory
Not Specific to Climate Change, but could be categorized as such:
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Energy Innovation Center (home of One Stop Shop for Bio Fuel Projects)
Governor’s Executive Orders (i.e. flex fuel vehicle purchases)
Energy Optimization Program
Weatherization Program
State Water Plan
Southeastern Energy Efficiency Potential Study
Wind Working Group – Offshore Wind Study and Meetings with MMS Offshore Minerals Management
Land Conservation Program
Economic development recruitment of solar and bio fuel companies
E85 Grant Program
Georgia Bio Energy Cooridor Campaign
Conserve Georgia Campaign
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Why Conserve Georgia’s Energy?
Rising energy costs
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Energy costs have risen steadily since 1970s
Global demand increasing; global supply of traditional energy sources decreasing
Conservation is the “least-cost” option for energy efficiency
Energy conservation improves air quality
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Why Conserve Georgia’s Energy?
Why Conserve Georgia’s Water?
Georgia’s most drought-stricken areas depend mostly on rainfall for water
supply.
Water Conservation
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Can save water resources for future generations
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Can protect water quality and the environment
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Can expand the life of existing supplies
March 2006
December 2007
April 2008
Why Conserve Georgia’s Land?
• Georgia’s growth and
development consumes land
• Less than one-percent of
Georgia land accessible to
public
• Agricultural land declining
• Vital watersheds protections
disappearing
• Must preserve state’s treasured
historic and scenic sites
Georgia’s primary resource for information, education
and goal setting, Conserve Georgia markets the state’s
programs that work to increase citizen, business,
industry and local government’s stewardship of the
state’s natural resources.
Conserve Georgia
Our Mission
Coordinated by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA),
Conserve Georgia is an umbrella organization that markets state water,
land and energy conservation programs
Georgia has more than 20 different conservation programs operated by at
least nine state agencies
‘One-stop’ location for land, water and energy conservation resources
Give Georgians easy access to a broad spectrum of conservation
information
Reinforce Georgia’s culture of conservation and incorporate it into daily
life
Make Georgia the leader in conservation awareness and action
Examples of
Water Conservation Programs
• Conserve Water Georgia
Water conservation tips and ways to save water at home.
• Water Resources Toolkit
Water management resources for local government
• WaterFirst
A voluntary partnership for wise water management and
protection.
• GEFA Water and Sewer Financing Programs
Loan programs for water, sewer and solid waste
infrastructure projects.
Examples of
Land Conservation Initiatives
• Georgia Land Conservation Program
Permanent conservation of land through the acquisition of
conservation easements and fee-simple ownership.
• Georgia Main Street Program
Helps Georgia cities and neighborhoods develop commercial
areas.
• Sustainable Community Forestry Program
Supplies valuable resources community leaders need to develop
and maintain a community tree care program.
• Urban Lands Program
Improves and protects Georgia’s urban soil and water resources
through best management practices (BMP’s)
Examples of Energy Initiatives
• The Governor’s Energy Challenge
Links and other information to help Georgians implement
the Governor’s energy reduction goals.
• State Utilities Program
Energy purchasing and energy management assistance for
state agencies.
• State Energy Program
Financial assistance and technical support for energy
programs.
• Georgia Quality Growth Partnership
Tools to transform the way we define, create and sustain
high quality Georgia communities.
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Governor Sonny Perdue committed to reduce
energy consumption per square foot in state
facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by
2020.
Governor also challenges Georgia’s citizens,
businesses and local governments to match the
state's effort
Governor’s Energy Challenge
• State must lead by example
• Aggressively implement and adopt energy efficient
practices
• Help protect Georgia’s energy sources for future
generations
• All must work together
• State & local governments
• Business & industry
• Individuals
Governor’s Energy Challenge
Energy Innovation Center
•Georgia becoming recognized alternative energy and fuels leader
•Goal is reducing Georgia's dependence on traditional energy sources, support
the local economy and improve the environment
•Produce 15 percent of the state’s transportation fuels by 2020 from locally
produced bio or alternative fuels
•Offer access to university research, development resources and potential
funding sources via research grants and other funding opportunities
•Form partnerships by matching them with companies, feedstock producers or
government agencies that can deliver benefits and resources to the client
What’s Next?
•Multi million dollar public relations campaign
•Public-Private 501c3
•Education/Training Program for local government and elected officials
•Children’s website
•College tour
•Listening Sessions
•Awards
•State Energy Strategy 2.0
• www.conservegeorgia.com