We're only into the second day of the 2015 session of the General Assembly, and it looks like we've got a major agreement between Georgia Power and EMCs, and solar power advocates.
The bill is sponsored by state Rep. Mike Dudgeon, R-Johns Creek, and will have a 2 p.m. unveiling in Room 606 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building today, before a subcommittee of the House Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee.
From the press release by Georgians for Solar Freedom:
Enables churches, schools, local governments, and the military to access affordable solar energy and save money on their power bills. The bill and its passage will spur growth in the emerging Georgia solar industry, attract investment from local, national, and international companies, and create high quality new jobs for Georgians.
Rep. Dudgeon's legislation has broad support from the state's utilities and solar advocates, including Georgians for Solar Freedom.
***
Otherwise, Day 2 will start early with the Georgia Chamber of Commerce's annual Eggs & Issues breakfast at 7:30 a.m., featuring speeches by Gov. Nathan Deal, Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle and House Speaker David Ralston, R-Blue Ridge. Given the Chamber's agenda, the subjects of transportation and contentious religious freedom legislation could come up.
The latter subject is expected to dominate the day at the Capitol as groups on both sides of the issue hold dueling events.
At 10 a.m., a group of Georgia faith leaders will hold a press conference in Room 203 of the Coverdell Legislative Office Building to announce the release of a letter signed by dozens of clergy from across the state opposing legislation labeled “religious freedom” bills.
At 1:30 p.m., those on the opposite side will hold a “Standing for Our Faith” rally of pastors and church leaders in the Capitol rotunda in support of the legislation. Sacked fire chief Kelvin Cochran, is expected to be the focus of the rally. Attendees say they will march on Atlanta City Hall afterwards.
As far as official business, not much action is expected. The House and Senate convene at 10 a.m. and the order of the day will be largely organizational.
About the Author
