Plain English Breakdown
The bill has passed both chambers but the effective date is not listed in the provided metadata or text excerpts.
Okefenokee Protection Act
This bill stops the director of Georgia's Environmental Protection Division from issuing, modifying, or renewing surface mining permits on Trail Ridge.
What This Bill Does
- Prohibits the director of the Environmental Protection Division from issuing new surface mining permits for Trail Ridge.
- Stops officials from modifying or renewing existing surface mining permits in this area.
- Prevents the acceptance of bonds required to conduct surface mining operations on Trail Ridge.
- Applies these rules specifically to future permit applications and amendments.
- Provides a definition related to the protected area.
- Repeals other laws that conflict with these new restrictions.
Who It Names or Affects
- The director of the Environmental Protection Division within the Natural Resources Department.
- Companies or individuals seeking permits for surface mining on Trail Ridge.
Limits and Unknowns
- The official text does not state when this law officially takes effect.
- The specific definition added by the bill is mentioned but its exact wording is not provided in the summary.
- It is unclear how existing mines on Trail Ridge are handled before they close naturally.