Ga. environmental groups want new water rules

Associated Press

Environmental groups want Georgia lawmakers to pass a bill requiring that more factors be considered before transferring water from one river system to another.

The legislation is pending before the House Rules Commission, which could decide as soon as Tuesday whether it will get a floor vote.

Under the measure, environmental regulators would have to consider a host of factors before moving water from one river basin to another. Those factors include whether the need for water is reasonable and whether there would enough water left for emergencies, like a drought.

The proposal comes after Georgia lawmakers approved sweeping new water conservation rules. The state is locked in a lawsuit against Alabama and Florida over Atlanta's water supply.