ATLANTA – State Representative Robert Dickey (R-Musella), chairman of the House Committee on Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, applauds Governor Brian Kemp and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) for announcing historic updates to the 2012 suspension of agricultural water withdrawal permits in portions of the Lower Flint and Chattahoochee River Basins.
“This update represents a monumental achievement for Georgia agriculture and is a testament to the thoughtful, science-based approach taken by EPD to manage our state’s water resources,” said Chairman Dickey. “I want to thank the EPD for their careful and methodical approach. Farmers and agricultural leaders have been asking for this for years, and it will be transformative for our entire ag community, especially in rural Georgia where agriculture is not just an industry but a way of life. Georgia farmers are the backbone of our state’s economy, and this development strikes an important balance between protecting our natural resources and supporting the needs of our agricultural industry. I commend Governor Brian Kemp and EPD for their dedication and leadership in making this progress possible.”
Starting April 1, 2025, the EPD will accept applications for groundwater withdrawal permits, which will include drought-related measures designed to protect the long-term sustainability of water resources essential to Georgia farmers and rural communities. Since the suspension in 2012, EPD has gathered data and began limited modifications in 2023, including permits for frost protection. These actions provided the foundation for EPD’s updates and reflect their focus on balancing water resource management with the needs of Georgia’s farmers.
More information about the modifications to the 2012 suspension may be found on EPD’s website here.
*Editor’s note: a map detailing where surface water and groundwater will be suspended is attached.
Representative Robert Dickey currently represents the citizens of District 145, which includes Crawford County and portions of Bibb, Houston, Monroe and Peach counties. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2011 and currently serves as Chairman of the Agriculture & Consumer Affairs Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education and the Banks & Banking, Energy, Utilities & Telecommunications, Higher Education, Natural Resources & Environment and Ways & Means committees.
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