Georgia Trend Daily – March 1, 2023
March 1, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Sierra Club study finds Georgia Power’s Bartow County coal-fired plant among country’s dirtiest
Stanley Dunlap reports that a new Sierra Club study estimates that coal-fired power Plant Bowen in Bartow County is one of the nation’s most out-of-control polluters with its smokestacks to blame for 59 premature deaths in the last few years. The Sierra Club report ranks Bowen as the 17th most dangerous in the nation, primarily caused by the soot-emitting coal power plants that the organization says have led to 3,800 premature deaths across the nation.
Karla Redding-Andrews, vice president and executive director of the Otis Redding Foundation in Macon
Photo: Matt Odom
March 1, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Agents of Change
Christy Simo reports that for some, being a leader is helping others find their strengths and empowering them to advance in their own careers. For others, it’s growing a consensus and making sure everyone’s opinions matter. For these four women who are leaders in their fields, it’s that and more.
March 1, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Rivian posts $6.8B loss in 2022, hit by production woes
Zachary Hansen reports that electric vehicle startup Rivian, which plans to build a $5 billion factory in Georgia, continues to increase its quarterly revenues but has been unable to temper its losses as it ramps up vehicle production. Rivian said it expects to double its vehicle output this year at its current factory in Normal, Illinois.
March 1, 2023 Rome News-Tribune
Big step forward for $5 billion EV battery plant due between Cartersville, Rome
John Druckenmiller reports that the $5 billion electric vehicle battery plant planned between Cartersville and Rome took a big step forward Tuesday with the filing of the development plan with the state. In an application filed by SK Battery and Bartow County, the initial report calls for a campus covering 3.3 million square feet with construction ending by June 2025.
March 1, 2023 Clayton News-Daily
The Creeks Trail System earns Travelblazer Award
Sharon Dowdy Cruse reports that the city of Jackson and Dauset Trails Nature Center have been awarded a 2022 Travelblazer Award by the Georgia Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau and Georgia Trend. The award is in recognition of The Creeks Recreational Trail System.
March 1, 2023 New York Times
Georgia Gun Laws Weigh on Atlanta’s Bid to Host 2024 Democratic Convention
Jonathan Weisman and Maya King report that the battle between Chicago and Atlanta over hosting the 2024 Democratic convention is heating up with a new claim from Illinois that Georgia’s lenient open-carry gun laws — already an issue with several public events in Atlanta — could make security a nightmare. With a decision possibly weeks away, officials involved agree that Atlanta and Chicago now appear to lead New York, the third of the finalists still under consideration.
March 1, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Bill lifting local control on house construction sparks debate in Georgia House committee hearing
Stanley Dunlap reports that a Georgia House panel on Tuesday aired out much-debated sweeping legislation that would prevent local governments from regulating everything from the color of a home’s exterior to the amount of vinyl siding to whether a home can be built on a concrete slab. There is fierce opposition to House Bill 517 from local government officials who don’t want to be handcuffed in determining design and zoning standards that fit into their communities.
March 1, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times, CNHI News
Scrapping certificate of need: May not be required for rural hospitals
Asia Ashley reports that Georgia lawmakers are looking to get rid of Certificate of Need requirements statewide for health care facilities after the recent approval of a bill to get rid of the requirement for hospitals in rural counties. The Senate, in a 42-13 vote Feb. 27, approved Senate Bill 99, which would exempt acute care hospitals looking to locate in rural counties (or counties with less than 50,000 residents) from adhering to CON requirements.
March 1, 2023 The Center Square
Georgia bills would allow ‘microenterprise’ home kitchens
T.A. DeFeo reports that Georgia lawmakers have introduced legislation they say would allow “microenterprise operations” and home-based businesses to work out of home kitchens and in compliance with state law. House Bill 583 would give the state’s agriculture commissioner the power to license and regulate home-based food businesses, allowing them to sell homemade foods directly.
March 1, 2023 The Current, Georgia Recorder
Governor’s priority school safety training bill passes Georgia House despite gun safety concerns
Ross Williams reports that a school safety bill Gov. Brian Kemp named as a top priority passed the House Monday despite protest from some Democrats who said it ignores the dangers of guns. House Bill 147, sponsored by Dawsonville Republican Rep. Will Wade, passed 148-20.
March 1, 2023 Capitol Beat News
State House panel passes COAM reform bill
Dave Williams reports that legislation aimed at reforming Georgia’s coin-operated amusement machines (COAM) industry cleared a committee in the state House of Representatives Tuesday. House Bill 353 would award non-cash redemption gift cards to winners that could be redeemed anywhere in the state for any legal product.
March 1, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Senate panel passes bill to expand ability to challenge voters
Mark Niesse reports that a Georgia Senate committee approved a bill Tuesday that could allow voters to be disqualified based on an allegation that they had changed their address, which voting rights groups said could lead to mass disenfranchisement. The Republican-sponsored proposal would expand the ability of Georgia residents to challenge the eligibility of other voters, based on a belief that elections are rife with the potential for fraud.
