2026 Legislative Priorities
Written by Marqus Cole, GIPL Organizing Director
As Georgia’s legislative session begins, Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) is watching a few key issues that speak directly to our shared values of stewardship, health, and care for community. Here are the top three priorities we’re tracking this session:
Data Centers & Energy Demand (SB 34)
As data centers rapidly expand across Georgia, SB 34 addresses how their massive energy and water demands are planned for, regulated, and who ultimately bears the long-term costs. These decisions matter for electric bills, water resources, and local communities, especially as Georgia balances economic growth with environmental responsibility.
Forever Chemicals (PFAS) Transparency (HB 611)
PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” are linked to serious health concerns and persist across Georgia in our water, soil, and bodies. We are watching legislation that would increase transparency and public access to information about where these chemicals are present. Communities deserve to know what’s in their water, and industry should be honest about what it introduces into the environment we all share.
Protecting the Okefenokee Swamp (HB 561)
Our shared advocacy outside the legislature in 2025 led to a historic win preventing mining on large portions of Trail Ridge outside the Okefenokee Swamp. Now we are focused on HB 561, the Okefenokee Protection Act, which would permanently prohibit future mining along the entirety of Trail Ridge. Safeguarding the swamp is a nonpartisan moral responsibility rooted in care for Sacred Earth.
We’ll be following these issues closely throughout the session and sharing updates along the way. Join us at our Green Team Summit to learn more or Capitol Conservation Day 2026 on Thursday, Feb. 26 to make your voice heard.
