Georgia Trend Daily – March 3, 2023
March 3, 2023 GPB
A new coal ash bill would align Georgia with federal rules
Grant Blankenship reports that a Georgia House bill would align state law with the current federal rule around the storage of the toxic material left over from burning coal to make electricity, also known as coal ash. The rule, enforced by the federal Environmental Protection Agency, is this: Coal ash should not be stored in contact with groundwater, and utilities should take every practicable step to keep the two from mixing.
March 3, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Looking for bright stars
Staff reports, do you know someone who is outstanding as a leader in their career and community? Please introduce us! Nominations are now open for Georgia Trend’s annual 40 Under 40 list, recognizing 40 of the state’s best and brightest young leaders.
March 3, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Congested pick-up areas causing problems at Hartsfield-Jackson
Kelly Yamanouchi reports that parking deck construction at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport is driving congestion in some pick-up areas — and causing headaches for travelers — prompting officials to search for fixes. The root of the issue stems from a huge, multi-year project to fortify and eventually to replace aging decks at the world’s busiest airport.
March 3, 2023 GlobalAtlanta.com
Equifax Acquires Brazilian Partner for $583M
Trevor Williams reports that Equifax Inc. is buying one of its parnters in Brazil, showing continued commitment to a growth plan focused on extending international reach and strategic acquisitions. The Atlanta-based credit bureau signed an agreement earlier this month to purchase Boa Vista Serviços for 8 Brazilian reals per share, or R$3.1 billion, which comes out to about $583 million.
March 3, 2023 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer
Columbus State University is on track to have its first ever woman president
Rice reports in a unanimous vote Wednesday by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents, interim executive vice chancellor for academic affairs Stuart Rayfield was named the sole finalist for the position that’s been vacant since Chris Markwood retired June 30 after seven years as CSU’s fifth president. Rayfield would be the first female president of the institution that was founded in 1958 as Columbus College and gained university status in 1996.
March 3, 2023 The Brunswick News
Entrance fees increasing at Cumberland Island
Gordon Jackson reports that the cost of entering Cumberland Island National Seashore is about to go up. The new entrance fee is changing to align with standardized fees nationwide at similar nation park areas, according to a news release.
March 3, 2023 Rome News-Tribune, WRGA
Committee recommends construction manager contract for facility to remove PFAS chemical pollutants from Oostanaula River
David Crowder reports that work on Rome’s reverse osmosis water treatment facility is another step closer to getting underway. On Thursday, the water and sewer committee voted to recommend approval of a $585,000 contract for phase one of the project with Archer Western as the construction manager at risk.
March 3, 2023 Athens Banner-Herald, Capitol Beat News
Kemp, others to launch review of Georgia tax credits
Dave Williams reports that Gov. Brian Kemp and legislative leaders announced a plan Thursday to review all of Georgia’s tax credits later this year. The goal is to make sure the various tax credits on the books in Georgia aimed at supporting economic development and job creation are giving taxpayers a good return on that investment.
March 3, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Attacks on power substations elsewhere spurs Georgia House to stiffen penalties for infrastructure sabotage
Jill Nolen reports that House lawmakers have approved extra prison time for anyone who intentionally attacks – physically or electronically – a utility substation or any other “vital public service.” The bill, sponsored by Elberton Republican Rep. Rob Leverett, could mean as much as an additional 10 years in prison if a prosecutor can prove the attack was carried out intentionally.
March 3, 2023 The Center Square
Georgia Senate committee fails to advance craft brewing bill
T.A. DeFeo reports that a Georgia Senate committee did not advance legislation that could have transformed the state’s craft brewing scene. Senate Bill 163 would have allowed “small brewers” to distribute up to 3,000 cases per year to retailers within a 100-mile radius without contracting with a distributor.
March 3, 2023 Capitol Beat News
Georgia Senate shoots down sports betting bill
Dave Williams reports that the state Senate soundly rejected legislation Thursday to legalize sports betting in Georgia. Senate Bill 57 was defeated 37-19, as senators opposed to gambling joined forces with those who believe legalizing sports betting requires a constitutional amendment.
March 3, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Georgia Senate squashes Buckhead City rebellion
Greg Bluestein and Riley Bunch report that the Georgia Senate put down a pro-Buckhead City rebellion, rejecting legislation Thursday that would have allowed a vote on whether the north Atlanta neighborhood could secede from the rest of the city. The measure failed by a 33-23 vote, with all Democrats in the chamber opposing it along with 10 GOP senators who helped cement its defeat.
