Protect Georgia’s Water
Safeguarding rivers, lakes, and wetlands for future generations.
The Okefenokee
Georgia's Okefenokee Swamp is a 438,000-acre National Wildlife Refuge located in the southeast part of the state. It is the largest blackwater swamp in the United States and one of the state's Seven Natural Wonders. Home to a variety of rare plant and animal species including the red-cockaded woodpecker, the indigo snake, and the wood stork, the Okefenokee is truly a national treasure!
Yet the swamp is in danger! Twin Pines Minerals, LLC has been seeking permits to operate heavy mineral sand mines on Trail Ridge near the swamp. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) along with respected scientists have warned such mining would unsettle the delicate ecosystem of the area, causing irreversible damage to the wetlands, destroying vital animal habitats, and increasing the frequency of droughts and wildfires in the state.
We are working hard to prevent this from happening. Thanks to grassroots organizing, the Okefenokee has recently been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List—a recognition that would elevate its status as one of the world’s most important ecological and cultural sites. Additionally, the FWS has proposed expanding the boundary of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to include the proposed mining site along Trail Ridge. Both actions would provide crucial protection for the swamp.
You can help ensure the Okefenokee remains protected by contacting your elected officials and urging them to support legislation that permanently safeguards this natural wonder from risky mining operations.
Coal Ash
Coal Ash is the sludge-like waste left over from burning coal for electricity, and it contains toxins like arsenic, mercury, lead, and other heavy metals. Currently, the majority of the 6 million tons of coal ash that has been produced in Georgia is being stored in 29 unlined ash ponds across the state. Most of the ash ponds are located adjacent to Georgia’s rivers and streams, from the banks of the Chattahoochee River to Lake Sinclair, to the Savannah River on the coast, and the Flint River in South Georgia.
Recent disasters in surrounding states spilled toxic coal ash into rivers and across people’s land in the southeast. And in recent years, pollution monitoring by power companies shows that these unlined pits are leaking and continuing to contaminate Georgia’s groundwater. In addition to the coal ash being stored along Georgia’s rivers and lakes, coal ash produced by surrounding states is being shipped and stored in landfills across Georgia without thorough monitoring, or public notification.
This lack of regulation is threatening Georgia’s clean water and millions’ health. Learn more HERE and ask your legislators to require safe clean-up of the toxic coal ash pits.
Forever Chemicals
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals,” are a group of toxic pollutants that pose a serious risk to both the environment and human health. These synthetic chemicals are found in everyday products like stain-resistant fabrics, firefighting foams, and non-stick cookware. Because they do not break down naturally, PFAS accumulate in soil, water, and even our bodies—leading to widespread contamination. Studies have linked PFAS exposure to serious health effects, including cancer, hormone disruption, and immune system disorders.
In Georgia, PFAS contamination threatens drinking water supplies and the health of communities statewide. Without strong regulations and transparency, these hazardous chemicals continue to be released into the environment, often without public knowledge. Wastewater treatment plants are not equipped to filter out PFAS, meaning these pollutants can cycle back into rivers, lakes, and groundwater. Protecting Georgia’s water resources requires proactive policies that hold polluters accountable and prevent further contamination.
A PFAS Transparency Act would be a critical step in addressing this issue. Proposed legislation would require any entity discharging PFAS into public wastewater treatment systems to report those emissions, ensuring that communities and regulators have the information they need to act.
