HB 43 Would Ban Use of Mountaintop Removal Coal in Georgia
HB 43 was introduced January 25, 2011. It is co-sponsored by State Reps. Mary Margaret Oliver, Elly Dobbs, Pat Gardner, Kathy Ashe, Stephanie Benfield, and Michele Henson.
The bill would prohibit the purchase or use of coal extracted by mountaintop removal coal mining for the generation of electricity. It would be phased out over seven years. The bill would also place a five year moratorium on the permitting on new coal plants.
“I am continuing my efforts to curtail the harm new coal plants will cause our state,” Rep. Oliver said in a press release. “Last year’s support from faith-based and environmental communities has been strong and encouraging. Our water and air must be protected from more coal plants, and we must use our efforts for renewable and cleaner energy sources.”