ATLANTA — The Georgia Water Coalition (GWC) honored State Representative Jeff Jones (R-Brunswick) with a Clean Water Champion Award on Wednesday, June 24 at their meeting celebrating “Paddle Georgia” in Effingham County. Rep. Jones was honored for his support of protecting Georgia’s rivers, lakes, groundwater and streams during the 2015 legislative session.
“It is indeed an honor to be named a GWC Clean Water Champion, as were a number of my fellow Georgia legislators, including my good friends Sen. William T. Ligon and Rep. Alex Atwood,” said Rep. Jones. “The three of us represent a good portion of Coastal Georgia and have been actively involved with several water quality bills this past session. I am pleased to accept this award with other members of my delegation.”
The Georgia Water Coalition is an association of more than 200 conservation and environmental organizations, hunting and fishing groups, businesses, and community organizations that have been working to protect Georgia’s water since 2002. Their mission is “to protect and care for Georgia’s water resources, which are essential for sustaining Georgia’s prosperity, providing clean and abundant drinking water, preserving diverse aquatic habitats for wildlife and recreation, and strengthening property values.” It is estimated that their organization encompasses more than 250,000 Georgians, while consistently expanding their reach.
“Two of the most significant water quality bills I worked on were the Aquifer Storage & Recovery (ASR) bill, HB 116, introduced by Rep. Atwood and the Marsh Buffer bill, SB 101,” said Rep. Jones. “The ASR bill died in committee, but the Marsh Buffer bill was signed into law by Governor Deal on May 26, 2015. I have since been working with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources on the implementation process.”
“We all realize water is a critical and vital resource for everyone,” added Rep. Jones. “South Georgia citizens can rest assured that Sen. Ligon, Rep. Atwood, and I will continue to work for clean water legislation in 2016 and beyond.”
Representative Jeff Jones represents the citizens of District 167, which includes portions of Glynn, Long, and McIntosh counties. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 2014, and currently serves on the Interstate Cooperation, Motor Vehicles, and Natural Resources and Environment committees.
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