Georgia 2025-2026 Regular Session

Georgia House Bill HB561 Compare Versions

Only one version of the bill is available at this time.

Old	New	Differences
1	1	25 LC 44 3003
2	2	House Bill 561
3	3	By: Representatives Taylor of the 173
4	4	rd
5	5	, Stephens of the 164
6	6	th
7	7	, Sainz of the 180
8	8	th
9	9	, Greene of
10	10	the 154
11	11	th
12	12	, Buckner of the 137
13	13	th
14	14	, and others
15	15	A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
16	16	AN ACT
17	17	To amend Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia
18	18	1
19	19	Annotated, relating to surface mining, so as to prohibit the director of the Environmental2
20	20	Protection Division of the Natural Resources Department from issuing, modifying, or3
21	21	renewing any permit or accepting any bond to conduct surface mining operations on Trail4
22	22	Ridge for future permit applications and amendments; to provide a definition; to provide for5
23	23	a short title; to provide for legislative findings; to provide for related matters; to repeal6
24	24	conflicting laws; and for other purposes.7
25	25	BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8
26	26	SECTION 1.9
27	27	This Act shall be known and may be cited as the "Okefenokee Protection Act."10
28	28	SECTION 2.11
29	29	The General Assembly finds that:12
30	30	(1) The Okefenokee Swamp is a vital part of Georgia with more than local significance,13
31	31	is of equal importance to all citizens of the state, is of state-wide concern, and14
32	32	consequently is properly a matter for regulation and protection under the authority of the15
33	33	H. B. 561
34	34	- 1 - 25 LC 44 3003
35	35	State of Georgia to ensure the values and functions of the Okefenokee Swamp, including
36	36	16
37	37	its status as a popular and historic tourist attraction, are not impaired and to fulfill the17
38	38	responsibilities of each generation as public trustees of the Okefenokee Swamp for18
39	39	succeeding generations; and19
40	40	(2) Trail Ridge is a key element in the formation and continued existence of the20
41	41	Okefenokee Swamp. It shapes the hydrology of the area and controls drainage of the21
42	42	swamp to the Atlantic Ocean. Trail Ridge contains heavy mineral sands, resulting in two22
43	43	major surface mining proposals in the past 25 years. The people of Georgia as well as23
44	44	state and national leaders overwhelmingly rejected the first proposal. Surface mining on24
45	45	Trail Ridge risks adverse impacts to the wetlands, water quality and quantity, wildlife25
46	46	habitat, air quality, and wilderness values of the Okefenokee Swamp. As a danger to the26
47	47	future of the Okefenokee Swamp, Trail Ridge mining impacts the cultural heritage of27
48	48	indigenous peoples of the area, as well as the historic heritage of the people and28
49	49	communities whose existence has been shaped by the swamp.29
50	50	SECTION 3.30
51	51	Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated,31
52	52	relating to surface mining, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:32
53	53	"12-4-85.
54	54	33
55	55	(a) As used in this Code section, the term 'Trail Ridge' means that elevated, geological34
56	56	feature bounded on the west by the Okefenokee Swamp and its watershed; on the east by35
57	57	an elevation of 100 feet above mean sea level; on the south by the triple divide of the36
58	58	Soldiers Camp Island, Boone Creek, and Barbar Branch watersheds; and on the north by37
59	59	the triple divide of the Upper Buffalo Creek, Big Creek, and Okefenokee Swamp38
60	60	watersheds.39
61	61	H. B. 561
62	62	- 2 - 25 LC 44 3003
63	63	(b) The director of the division shall not issue, modify, or renew any permit or accept any40
64	64	bond to conduct surface mining operations on Trail Ridge for any permit application or41
65	65	permit amendment submitted on or after July 1, 2025."42
66	66	SECTION 4.43
67	67	All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.44
68	68	H. B. 561
69	69	- 3 -