HB562: HB562 Natural Resources, Department of; five-year moratorium on acceptance of applications for new or requests to modify existing permits; provisions

25 LC 44 3004 House Bill 562 By: Representatives Taylor of the 173rd, Stephens of the 164th, Sainz of the 180th, Greene of the 154th, Buckner of the 137th, and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Of ficial Code of Georgia1 Annotated, relating to surface mining, so as to provide for a f ive-year moratorium on the2 acceptance of applications for new permits and the acceptance of requests to modify existing3 permits by the Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources4 to expand the area of land affected by surface mining operations on Trail Ridge; to provide5 a definition; to provide exemptions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws;6 and for other purposes.7 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:8 SECTION 1.9 Part 3 of Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Title 12 of the Official Co de of Georgia Annotated,10 relating to surface mining, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows:11 "12-4-85.12 (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'Trail Ridge' means the elevated, geological13 feature bounded on the west by the Okefenokee Swamp and its watershed; on the east by14 an elevation of 100 feet above mean sea level; on the south by the triple divide of the15 Soldiers Camp Island, Boone Creek, and Barbar Branch watersheds; and on the north by16 H. B. 562 - 1 - 25 LC 44 3004 the triple divide of the Upper Buffalo Creek, Big Creek, and Ok efenokee Swamp17 watersheds.18 (b) Beginning on July 1, 2025, and continuing through June 30, 2030, the division shall19 not accept any applications for new permits, nor shall the division accept any requests to20 modify any existing permits for any surface mining operations on Trail Ridge that seek to21 expand the area of affected land.22 (c) This Code section shall not prohibit the acceptance or den ial of any applications for23 new permits or requests to modify any existing permits for any surface mining operations24 on Trail Ridge submitted to and deemed complete by the division on or before June 30,25 2025."26 SECTION 2.27 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.28 H. B. 562 - 2 -