ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan), Chairman of the House Natural Resources & Environment Committee, recently led the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Legislative Environmental Policy Academy from December 7-9, 2018, at the University of Georgia (UGA) in Athens. The annual conference featured presentations and panel discussions by state agency leaders, statewide conservation and environmental protection advocates, local public works experts and UGA educators.
“The academy provided a tremendous opportunity for the Natural Resources and Environment Committee members to utilize UGA’s valuable resources and to grow in our understanding of complicated and vital issues that are likely to come before us during the 2019 legislative session,” said Chairman Smith. “The conference was well attended by committee members, and the feedback was very positive. I look forward to continue working alongside my colleagues in the General Assembly to protect and strengthen our state’s environment and natural resources.”
This event provides legislators with up-to-date and impartial information on Georgia’s pressing environmental issues prior to the start of the legislative session. This year’s sessions covered multiple topics including coastal shore protection and oyster aquaculture, landfill capacity, recycling and composting, endangered species and habitat conservation, ecosystem resilience and Georgia’s recovery from Hurricane Michael.
Highlights of this year’s academy included a tour of the Athens-Clarke County Materials Recycling Facility and key sites at the State Botanical Garden of Georgia, as well as remarks from former UGA Head Football Coach Vince Dooley.
Seven years ago, Chairman Smith, in partnership with the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, organized the inaugural Legislative Environmental Policy Academy. She continues to work with the Institute of Government annually to coordinate the three-day event, and House Natural Resources and Environment Committee members have attended the academy since its first year. State Senator Tyler Harper (R- Ocilla) also assisted in planning this year’s program.
For more information on the Carl Vinson Institute of Government’s Legislative Environmental Policy Academy, please click here.
Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Carroll and Coweta counties. She was elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative and Congressional Reapportionment and Rules committees.
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