Georgia lawmakers debated PFAS, data centers and more green bills. What passed?

The Georgia legislative session concluded on April 2, with lawmakers achieving one significant environmental victory while several other key priorities, including high-profile debates over data centers and PFAS chemicals, did not pass. Senate Bill 478, which reauthorizes and extends the Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program through 2039 and increases its sales tax revenue share, was the sole major win for environmental advocates and awaits Gov. Brian Kemp’s signature. Alex Foster of Environment Georgia highlighted the program's increased necessity "As data centers and other developments eat away at Georgia’s natural spaces." The program funds conservation projects statewide, including a $2.34 million grant for Echeconnee Creek Park in Houston County this year. Conversely, Senate Bill 447, a measure opposed by conservation groups such as the Georgia Sierra Club, Georgia Water Coalition, and Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, passed both chambers and is awaiting the governor's signature. This bill revises the state's Erosion and Sedimentation Act, shortening the review period for land-disturbance permit applications by local governments. Mark Woodall, legislative chair of the Georgia Sierra Club, warned that this change could hinder thoughtful community planning and protection of waterways from pollution, especially regarding large developments like data centers. Despite considerable debate, more than a dozen bills related to data centers failed to pass. These included Senate Bill 34, which aimed to prevent utilities from passing data center energy costs to residential customers, and House Bill 559, which sought to accelerate the expiration of sales and use tax breaks for high-tech data center equipment. Another significant environmental measure, House Bill 611 (the Forever Chemicals Transparency Act), which would have mandated industries to disclose PFAS usage to publicly owned water treatment facilities, also failed. Jennette Gayer, executive director of Environment Georgia, vowed to continue efforts to protect Georgians from toxic chemicals and dirty energy.