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Upon learning of the possibility of being designated as an
ozone non-attainment area, the 21st Century Partnership recognized the potential
impact on Middle Georgia and the ability of Robins AFB to operate effectively
within the community. The Partnership took the lead role in gathering the
support to address these issues by suggesting to the commissioners and mayors
from the seven county region to form a coalition. The Partnership coordinated
passage of a resolution and the group of elected officials formally created the
Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition.
On Feburay10, 2005 Chairman Ned Sanders from Houston County,
Mayor C. Jack Ellis of Macon, Chairman Charles Bishop of Bibb County and Ron
Carbon of the 21st Century Partnership participated in a visit to Capitol Hill
to meet with Congressman Marshall and Kingston and Senators Isakson and
Chambliss. Working with the Clark Group, their hard work paid off and
Middle Georgia Clean Air Coalition was awarded 4.5 million dollars for
congestion mitigation projects.
Strategy for the Future
Committee Chairman - Bibb County
Commissioner Charlie Bishop
The Strategy for the Future Committee will lead the way
to sustainability for Middle Georgia. While taking into account the
required actions that will be included in the State Implementation Plan for
attainment, the strategy will incorporate other actions that will ensure we
maintain our clean air for future generations while providing for economic
growth.
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Truck Stop
Electrification
Committee Co- Chairs - William Cook,
Georgia EPD and Dr. Dan Callahan
Committee is working to bring this new technology to the
Middle Georgia region. They are also looking at onboard and other idle
reduction strategies.
Three proposed sites
Twiggs |
Peach |
Bibb |
50 |
150 |
45 |
Hwy 96- I-16 |
I-75 |
I-16 |
Exit 24 |
Exit 46 |
Exit 6 |
Jeffersonville |
Byron |
Macon |
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Open Burn Ban
Committee Chairman - Georgia EPD Air
Branch Chief Ron Metheir
This committee is currently working on looking at the
aspects of expanding a burn ban in the Middle Georgia region. They are
also assisting the public information committee on educating the community
on these proposed actions.
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Commuter Strategy
Committee Chairman -MG Clean Cities
Coalition Director Charise Stephens
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This committee is currently working on forming
partnership with commuter strategy organizations
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Developing a baseline survey
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Evaluate commuter behavior in Middle Georgia
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Work in concert with regional employers to provide
commuters with options
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Began work on Smog Forecasting System
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Implement comprehensive approaches that will be unique
to commuting patterns of the regions
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Alternative School Buses and Fleets
Committee Chairman - Houston County
Commissioner Ned Sanders
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This committee is currently working on efforts to
secure congressional appropriations
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Connect Blue Bird, local school systems, and
alternative fuel providers
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Outreach to School Boards
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Regional commitment to purchase only alternative fueled
buses
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Secure DOE approval of AFV buses
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Outreach to the Community on benefits
Committee is currently looking at all the pros and cons
for each fuel alternative.
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Eco-Friendly Lottery Initiatives
Committee Chairman -MG Clean Cities
Coalition Director Charise Stephens
This committee is spearheading efforts to incorporate
environmentally-friendly practices into the regional lottery system.
Recognizing the potential impact of
the lottery system on
the environment, from ticket production to promotional activities, the
Eco-Friendly Lottery Initiatives Committee aims to minimize the carbon
footprint and waste generated by lottery activities.
Key objectives include:
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Green Ticket Production: Transitioning to recycled or
sustainable materials for the production of lottery tickets and ensuring
that used tickets are recyclable or biodegradable.
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Digital Transition: Promoting digital lottery platforms
to reduce the need for physical tickets and decrease paper waste.
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Local Investment: Allocating a portion of the lottery
revenue to local environmental and sustainability projects, providing direct
benefits to the Middle Georgia ecosystem.
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Educational Campaigns: Launching initiatives to educate the
public about the environmental impact of their lottery participation and
how they can make eco-friendly choices.
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Partnerships: Collaborating with local businesses and
environmental organizations to develop innovative solutions for a sustainable
lottery system, including incentives for eco-conscious participation.
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Outreach to the Community on benefits
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Public Education
and Awareness
Committee Chairman - MG Clean Cities
Coalition Director Charise Stephens
The primary purpose of the Public Information Committee
is to carry the MGCAC message to the public and provide basic education on
air pollution issues. We will accomplish through the following
activities:
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Develop and distribute an informational brochure
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Develop website
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Conduct community presentations
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Distribute a local Smog Alert/Watch
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Produce a quarterly Middle Georgia CAN! Show
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Develop and distribute a quarterly newsletter
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Develop Middle Georgia Can! Campaign
Pictured: Forsyth Mayor James Pace, Jeffersonville Mayor Sonja Mallory,
and Houston County Commissioner Chairman Ned Sanders at the first MGCAC
Commercial shot at the beautiful Riverwalk in Macon.
Special thanks to Ron Carbon, Sonya Barnes and 13 WMAZ.
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