ATLANTA — State Representatives Jeff Jones (R-Brunswick), Don Hogan (R-St. Simons Island) and Jason Spencer (R-Woodbine) recently called on U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-Ga.) and U.S. Congressman Buddy Carter (R-Ga.) to oppose the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) reconsideration of the 2015 Coal Ash Rule.
In a letter dated October, 27, 2017, Reps. Jones, Hogan and Spencer wrote:
“Thank you for all you do to protect our nation, the southeast region, and the State of Georgia. Like you, we try our best to protect our constituents and environment while promoting policies that will improve our economy. We have recently been made aware that the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency is committed to reconsidering the 2015 Coal Ash Rule, which regulates the disposal of coal ash in ponds and landfills. The disposal of coal ash in our districts is of major concern to our constituents, many of whom are specifically concerned about the repercussions the unregulated dumping of coal ash could have on our economy and community health.
“Many are worried about the contamination of our creeks, rivers, and marshes from the dewatering of decommissioned ash ponds. Others fear that coal ash stored in municipal solid waste landfills located near wetlands and over drinking water aquifers will leak. Finally, those living near drained ponds where the ash is to remain in unlined pits are concerned that the monitoring at these sites is insufficient to detect contamination of their drinking water wells. These are serious problems and ones that we are working to solve, but without the 2015 Coal Ash Rule, our problems would be much worse.
“The current rule plays an important role in keeping coal ash out of our surface water and groundwater. The Georgia coast relies on a vast network of waterways that flow into the Atlantic Ocean. These waterways support the industries of tourism, commerce, and commercial fishing. The economies of our districts and the State of Georgia require a healthy environment to thrive.
“We are writing to urge you to oppose the EPA’s reconsideration of the 2015 Coal Ash Rule. A suspension of the enforcement of this rule will threaten our natural resources, our public health, and our economic outlook. Since 2015, we have worked together with Georgia Power to improve the methods for storing coal ash and protect our citizens. This would not have been possible but for the 2015 Coal Ash Rule. Please work with others to ensure that the reconsideration of the Coal Ash Rule does not result in a loss in protections for our citizens.
“We value your leadership and partnership, you commitment to rural Georgia and our coast, and your efforts to protect our waterways and drinking water.”
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 as the Vice Chairman of the Motor Vehicles Committee. He also serves on the Insurance, Interstate Cooperation, and Science & Technology committees.
Representative Don Hogan represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2016, and currently serves on the Economic Development & Tourism; Information and Audits; and Natural Resources & Environment committees.
Representative Jason Spencer represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden, Charlton, and Ware counties. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2010, and currently serves as the Secretary of the Special Rules Committee. He also serves on the Game Fish & Parks, Human Relations & Aging, Juvenile Justice, and Science & Technology committees.
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