Create a Climate Action Plan

Global climate change, primarily caused by a combination of natural factors and human activities (largely related to burning fossil fuels), is likely to have profound impacts on Georgia’s economy and environment in the future. 

Governor Perdue’s State Energy Strategy recognizes that "Climate change could affect the economy through rising shoreline levels and resulting damage to coastal development, disruption of growing seasons for agriculture and forestry, and reduced tourist trade." Yet Georgia is the only state on the Eastern Seaboard that has failed to take initiative to address climate change. Some 38 states have adopted or are developing climate action plans (CAPs) addressing land use and transportation, state procurement practices, and energy efficiency in public buildings and transportation. Many plans map out the future of clean energy technologies, which can create new jobs in sustainable, long-term markets.

We urge the General Assembly to create a Joint Legislative Study Committee to draft a Climate Action Plan to explore the most cost-effective opportunities to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and ensure the state is strategically positioned to receive federal funds and respond to likely regulations.