This is a rush transcript of comments from U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff, D-Georgia, during a virtual press conference today:
Today I submitted public comments to Georgia’s Environmental Protection Division on the proposed strip mine near the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. In those comments, citing leading scientists and authorities on wetland ecology and hydrology, I conveyed my grave concerns about potential damage reparable damage to this precious natural resource in the state of Georgia: The Okefenokee Swamp and the National Wildlife Refuge that it contains.
The Okefenokee Swamp is beloved to all Georgians. This is a natural resource unique in the world. It is the largest black water wetland in North America. The biodiversity, the Okefenokee is among the most beautiful and dense entire continent. This is a destination for children and families to enjoy pristine wilderness, camping, paddling and learning about the great outdoors. And the Okefenokee generates 10s of millions of dollars in tourism revenues for surrounding communities and the state of Georgia.
Let me be very clear, leading authorities at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the University of Georgia have warned about potentially disastrous consequences if this proposed strip mine so close to the Okefenokee is permitted to proceed. And so amidst those warnings, in my public comment, I am urging the Environmental Protection Division of the state of Georgia to take into account expertise, the scientific conclusions of all experts who are weighing in as they make a determination about this permit.
I also want to point this out — and this is very important — this is a public comment period, which affords all Georgians who have concerns about the future of the Okefenokee the opportunity to weigh in and share their views for anyone who wants to participate in this public comment period. The window is open until Monday, March 20. And additional information about how to participate and how to submit your public comment to participate in our state’s decision about the future of the Okefenokee is available at the website of Georgia’s EPD.
