2. Georgia’s Environmental Issues Georgia’s record drought Growing population Rising energy prices Air quality concerns Land degradation Environmental concerns can lessen the appeal of Georgia to business and industry

3. Current Activities by State of Georgia Climate Change Specific: Member of Climate Registry Green Retreat (P 2 AD of DNR) Carbon Sequestration Inventory completed by Forestry Commission Mayors Climate Protection Agreement signed by 8 Georgia mayors American College and University Presidents Climate Challenge signed by 11 Georgia college presidents Georgia updating Greenhouse Gas inventory Not Specific to Climate Change, but could be categorized as such: Energy Innovation Center (home of One Stop Shop for Bio Fuel Projects) Governor’s Executive Orders (i.e. flex fuel vehicle purchases) Energy Optimization Program Weatherization Program State Water Plan Southeastern Energy Efficiency Potential Study Wind Working Group – Offshore Wind Study and Meetings with MMS Offshore Minerals Management Land Conservation Program Economic development recruitment of solar and bio fuel companies E85 Grant Program Georgia Bio Energy Cooridor Campaign Conserve Georgia Campaign Governor’s Energy Challenge

4. Why Conserve Georgia’s Energy? Rising energy costs Energy costs have risen steadily since 1970s Global demand increasing; global supply of traditional energy sources decreasing Conservation is the “least-cost” option for energy efficiency Energy conservation improves air quality

5. Why Conserve Georgia’s Energy?

6. Why Conserve Georgia’s Water? Georgia’s most drought-stricken areas depend mostly on rainfall for water supply. Water Conservation Can save water resources for future generations Can protect water quality and the environment Can expand the life of existing supplies March 2006December 2007 April 2008

7. Why Conserve Georgia’s Land? Georgia’s growth and development consumes land Less than one-percent of Georgia land accessible to public Agricultural land declining Vital watersheds protections disappearing Must preserve state’s treasured historic and scenic sites

8. Georgia’s primary resource for information, education and goal setting, Conserve Georgia markets the state’s programs that work to increase citizen, business, industry and local government’s stewardship of the state’s natural resources.

9. Conserve Georgia Our Mission Coordinated by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA), Conserve Georgia is an umbrella organization that markets state water, land and energy conservation programs Georgia has more than 20 different conservation programs operated by at least nine state agencies ‘One-stop’ location for land, water and energy conservation resources Give Georgians easy access to a broad spectrum of conservation information Reinforce Georgia’s culture of conservation and incorporate it into daily life Make Georgia the leader in conservation awareness and action

10. Examples of Water Conservation Programs Conserve Water Georgia Water conservation tips and ways to save water at home.Conserve Water Georgia Water Resources Toolkit Water management resources for local governmentWater Resources Toolkit WaterFirst A voluntary partnership for wise water management and protection.WaterFirst GEFA Water and Sewer Financing Programs Loan programs for water, sewer and solid waste infrastructure projects.GEFA Water and Sewer Financing Programs

11. Examples of Land Conservation Initiatives Georgia Land Conservation Program Permanent conservation of land through the acquisition of conservation easements and fee-simple ownership.Georgia Land Conservation Program Georgia Main Street Program Helps Georgia cities and neighborhoods develop commercial areas.Georgia Main Street Program Sustainable Community Forestry Program Supplies valuable resources community leaders need to develop and maintain a community tree care program.Sustainable Community Forestry Program Urban Lands Program Improves and protects Georgia’s urban soil and water resources through best management practices (BMP’s)Urban Lands Program

12. Examples of Energy Initiatives The Governor’s Energy Challenge Links and other information to help Georgians implement the Governor’s energy reduction goals.The Governor’s Energy Challenge State Utilities Program Energy purchasing and energy management assistance for state agencies.State Utilities Program State Energy Program Financial assistance and technical support for energy programs.State Energy Program Georgia Quality Growth Partnership Tools to transform the way we define, create and sustain high quality Georgia communities.Georgia Quality Growth Partnership

13. Governor Sonny Perdue committed to reduce energy consumption per square foot in state facilities 15 percent below FY2007 levels by 2020. Governor also challenges Georgia’s citizens, businesses and local governments to match the state's effort Governor’s Energy Challenge

14. State must lead by example Aggressively implement and adopt energy efficient practices Help protect Georgia’s energy sources for future generations All must work together State & local governments Business & industry Individuals Governor’s Energy Challenge

15. Energy Innovation Center Governor’s Energy Challenge Georgia becoming recognized alternative energy and fuels leader Goal is reducing Georgia's dependence on traditional energy sources, support the local economy and improve the environment Produce 15 percent of the state’s transportation fuels by 2020 from locally produced bio or alternative fuels Offer access to university research, development resources and potential funding sources via research grants and other funding opportunities Form partnerships by matching them with companies, feedstock producers or government agencies that can deliver benefits and resources to the client

16. What’s Next? Multi million dollar public relations campaign Public-Private 501c3 Education/Training Program for local government and elected officials Children’s website College tour Listening Sessions Awards State Energy Strategy 2.0 www.conservegeorgia.com