Encounter GA Advocates for Okefenokee, Data Centers, PFAS Bills at Capitol Conservation Day
On March 4, 2025, members of the Encounter GA team joined fellow advocates from across the state for Capitol Conservation Day at the Georgia State Capitol—a day dedicated to speaking up for the protection of Georgia’s natural resources and the well-being of its communities.
Sponsored by the Georgia Water Coalition and supported by dozens of environmental organizations—including Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL)—Capitol Conservation Day brings together people of faith, environmental advocates, and concerned citizens to engage directly with lawmakers on critical environmental legislation.
Encouter GA members Drew Reynolds (left) and Lauren Galucki Hoade (right) meet with Sen. Kim Jackson (D - District 41) to discuss support for SB 34, the Data Centers bill.
Standing for Conservation, Sustainability, and Environmental Justice
This year, Encounter GA was present to advocate for three key legislative priorities, each grounded in our Catholic commitment to care for creation and uphold the common good:
SB 34 – Fair Energy Rates for All: A bill that requires data centers to pay their fair share for the energy they consume, preventing discounted rates that would unfairly shift costs onto residential and business customers.
SB 611 – PFAS Disclosure and Transparency: A bill that would require industries to disclose to local utilities whether they are using PFAS “forever chemicals”, increasing transparency and helping protect communities from these dangerous contaminants.
HB 541 & HB 542 – Protecting the Okefenokee: Bills that would ban (HB 541) or place a five-year moratorium (HB 542) on mining near Trail Ridge, an area critical to the health and preservation of the Okefenokee Swamp, one of Georgia’s most treasured natural ecosystems.
Issue briefing and advocacy training at Central Presbyterian Church prior to walking over to the Capitol.
Building Relationships with Lawmakers
Throughout the day, members of Encounter GA engaged in conversations with representatives and senators, joining other advocates in “walking the ropes”—the traditional way to meet with legislators outside the House and Senate chambers. These conversations were grounded in collaboration and dialogue, emphasizing the moral and practical reasons for protecting Georgia’s natural resources, ensuring safe drinking water, and promoting environmental justice for all communities.
Encounter GA’s Commitment
Our presence at Capitol Conservation Day reflects Encounter GA’s mission to bring a faith-based voice to the table in conversations about environmental and social justice issues. As Catholics, we are called to care for our common home and to stand in solidarity with those impacted by pollution, climate change, and environmental degradation.
We are grateful for the opportunity to join with partners from across Georgia in this important day of advocacy and remain committed to building relationships with legislators, educating our communities, and advancing policies that protect both people and the planet.
Stay connected with Encounter GA to learn more about how you can get involved in future advocacy efforts!
