Georgia CommonsSR 835: Georgia Environmental Finance Authority; commend
Last action February 24, 2026 · Senate Read and Adopted
A Senate resolution honors the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) on its 40th anniversary, recognizing its role financing water, energy, and land infrastructure projects across the state.
The summaries below were written by an AI model (claude-sonnet-5) from the text of the resolution and are not part of it. Quote the text, not the summary. The stored text is the Enrolled version, the latest LegiScan holds.
In plain language
This is a ceremonial resolution from the Georgia Senate marking the 40th anniversary of the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA), which was created in 1986 to finance environmental infrastructure projects statewide. The resolution recounts GEFA's history, including its management of water and wastewater loan programs, energy efficiency initiatives, land conservation efforts, and its role coordinating energy emergency response during statewide emergencies. The resolution does not change any Georgia law, create new programs, or provide funding. It simply expresses the Senate's appreciation for GEFA's work over four decades and directs the Secretary of the Senate to send a copy of the resolution to GEFA for its records.
What the bill does
- Formally commends and congratulates GEFA on the occasion of its 40th anniversary, expressing the Senate's appreciation for its work.
- Recites GEFA's history and programs, including water and wastewater infrastructure loans, energy efficiency programs, and land conservation efforts.
- Directs the Secretary of the Senate to prepare and distribute a copy of the resolution to GEFA.
- Does not create, fund, or alter any state program, agency, or law.
Who it affects
The resolution directly names the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority, its board members, executive leadership, and staff. It also references local governments, rural communities, and Georgians who benefit from GEFA's water, energy, and land financing programs, though it creates no new obligations for them.
Why it matters
The resolution has no legal or financial effect; it does not fund programs or change how GEFA operates. Its significance is symbolic, providing official recognition from the Georgia Senate of an agency that has financed billions of dollars in water, energy, and land infrastructure projects over 40 years.
Key provisions
- The resolution's whereas clauses describe GEFA's creation in 1986 and its role administering the Georgia Fund, Clean Water State Revolving Fund, and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund.
- It highlights the WaterFirst Program, which recognizes local governments with strong water resource management practices.
- It notes GEFA's management of the State Energy Program, Weatherization Assistance Program, and Energy performance contracting for efficiency and resiliency projects.
- It references GEFA's Fuel Storage Tank Program and its lead role in Emergency Support Function 12 Annex for energy-related emergency response.
- The resolved clauses commend GEFA and direct the Secretary of the Senate to distribute a copy of the resolution to the agency.
From the bill
“the members of this body commend and congratulate the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority on its 40th anniversary and express sincere appreciation for its four decades of service to the people of Georgia”
Status timeline
- Senate Read and Adopted (Senate)
- Senate Hopper (Senate)
Sponsors
- Frank Ginn (R, SD-047)
- Drew Echols (R, SD-049)
- Jason Anavitarte (R, SD-031)
- Chuck Hufstetler (R, SD-052)
- Donzella James (D, SD-028)
- Ben Watson (R, SD-001)
- David Lucas (D, SD-026)
Topics
- Georgia Environmental Finance Authority
- water infrastructure
- energy efficiency programs
- state agency recognition