The Natural Resources & Environment committee approved a committee substitute to a House bill requiring end‑of‑life solar panels be sent to legitimate recycling facilities and to restore leased land after projects end; members removed an earlier provision for an EPD‑maintained directory.

At a Natural Resources & Environment Committee meeting, Rivatera executives described Arcana Bio coal, an AI-designed biomass pellet they say can match coal performance while cutting emissions, outlined commercial pilots and patents, and answered legislators’ questions; independent utility-scale testing was not yet complete.

The Natural Resources & Environment Committee heard House Bill 956, which would allow the director of the Environmental Protection Division to use Solid Waste Trust Fund dollars for expanded functions including emergency tire-fire response and staff capacity while preserving existing grant programs, and voted to advance the bill.

A House Natural Resources & Environment subcommittee advanced House Bill 956 to the full committee after its sponsor said the measure would let the EPD director use Solid Waste Trust Fund dollars for emergency response and capacity-building without affecting current grant programs.

Opponents argue House Bill 211 shields carpet manufacturers from accountability over PFAS contamination.

Legislators debate carpet industry regulations and environmental impact of PFAS chemicals.

Researchers find household materials transmit PFAS into local wastewater systems.

Scientific voices highlight mining risks to Okefenokee and its wildlife habitat.

The Okefenokee Protection Act prohibits surface mining permits in Trail Ridge area.

Representative Kelly introduces bill mandating solar panel recycling instead of landfill disposal

House Bill 287 amends Georgia laws on environmental protection and hunting privileges.