HR946: HR946 State of Georgia; economic leadership and recognizing the importance of transparent, informed decision making; commend

25 LC 112 3557 House Resolution 946 By: Representatives Buckner of the 137th and Oliver of the 84th A RESOLUTION Commending the State of Georgia for its economic leadership and recognizing the1 importance of transparent, informed decision making; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the State of Georgia has been recognized as the No. 1 state in the nation in3 which to do business for 11 consecutive years, a testament to i ts strategic use of natural,4 human, and infrastructure resources; and5 WHEREAS, Georgia is richly blessed with abundant water resource s, the availability and6 wise use of which are vital to the state's public health, economic well-being, and continued7 capacity for growth; and8 WHEREAS, this economic success has been made possible through t he informed9 stewardship of these finite resources by citizens and their rep resentative governments, a10 balance that must continue to be nurtured to preserve and enhan ce prosperity for future11 generations; and12 WHEREAS, Georgia's continued economic success and future develo pment will require13 careful planning for increased energy demand, and it is essenti al that such planning avoid14 imposing undue burdens on current consumers or compromising existing services; and15 H. R. 946 - 1 - 25 LC 112 3557 WHEREAS, for facilities with high resource demands—such as thos e requiring extensive16 energy or water use—it is important to consider not only utilit y infrastructure but also the17 cumulative impact on surrounding communities, including noise a nd other environmental18 factors; and19 WHEREAS, members of the Georgia General Assembly regularly rece ive extensive20 information in the course of their duties, and while the volume can at times exceed what is21 readily absorbed, these materials form a critical foundation fo r representing constituent22 interests, particularly in support of local government decision making; and23 WHEREAS, legislators are frequently made aware of and are able to solicit additional24 information on subjects of local interest with more ease than t heir constituents—an25 advantage that can be wisely employed to the advantage of those affected interests; and26 WHEREAS, a recent example of the need for such transparent info rmation-sharing is the27 growing number of high-tech data centers proposed in diverse lo cations across the state,28 many of which require large quantities of water and electricity, placing significant demands29 on local utilities and public infrastructure; and30 WHEREAS, ensuring the timely release of accurate, factual information about the projected31 economic, employment, fiscal, land use, natural resource, and public utility service impacts32 of such developments is essential to empowering elected officia ls and the public to make33 informed decisions during limited and critical windows of opportunity.34 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that35 the members of this body commend the State of Georgia for its c ontinued nationwide36 H. R. 946 - 2 - 25 LC 112 3557 leadership in economic development and recognize the necessity of balancing progress with37 the responsible stewardship of natural and infrastructural resources.38 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized39 and directed to make appropriate copies of this resolution avai lable for distribution to the40 public and the press.41 H. R. 946 - 3 -