ATLANTA - Sen. Buddy Carter, R-Pooler, has been appointed to the Senate Special Committee on Coastal Preparedness.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who is organizing the committee, appointed Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, and Carter as select members of the committee.
Cagle said the committee will look to see if Georgia is ready and able to handle the potential consequences of the Gulf Coast oil spill.
"The potential impact of just one drop of crude on the environmental, economic, and even psychological state of Georgia is too important to leave to chance and hopes of good fortune," Cagle said. "We must be doing all we can today to ensure Georgia's state of readiness is keen and poised for action."
Carter echoed the lieutenant governor's concers.
"Savannah is home to one of the greatest port cities on the Eastern Seaboard. We must protect Georgia's beautiful shoreline and numerous industries from the aftermath of the oil spill," the senator said. "I want to thank the lieutenant governor for taking these preemptive steps that will prepare Georgia to effectively respond to the effects of the Gulf oil crisis."
Cagle touted Carter's presence on the special committee vital to its success: "With such a crucial issue facing our state, we need a strong leader like Sen. Carter to play an integral role in the response process," Cagle said.
The first meeting on Georgia's preparedness for the oil spill is going on today at the State Capitol in Atlanta. A response plan will be discussed. Representatives from the DNR, U.S. Coast Guard, Georgia Emergency Management Association, and the Georgia Department of Community Health will be on hand. The impacts of the oil spill on Georgia's tourism and fishing industries will also be addressed. Spud Woodward, director of Coastal Resources for the DNR, will lead the discussion on the severity of the situation.
Lt. Gov. Casey Cagle, who is organizing the committee, appointed Sen. Ross Tolleson, R-Perry, chairman of the Senate Natural Resources Committee, Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, and Carter as select members of the committee.
Cagle said the committee will look to see if Georgia is ready and able to handle the potential consequences of the Gulf Coast oil spill.
"The potential impact of just one drop of crude on the environmental, economic, and even psychological state of Georgia is too important to leave to chance and hopes of good fortune," Cagle said. "We must be doing all we can today to ensure Georgia's state of readiness is keen and poised for action."
Carter echoed the lieutenant governor's concers.
"Savannah is home to one of the greatest port cities on the Eastern Seaboard. We must protect Georgia's beautiful shoreline and numerous industries from the aftermath of the oil spill," the senator said. "I want to thank the lieutenant governor for taking these preemptive steps that will prepare Georgia to effectively respond to the effects of the Gulf oil crisis."
Cagle touted Carter's presence on the special committee vital to its success: "With such a crucial issue facing our state, we need a strong leader like Sen. Carter to play an integral role in the response process," Cagle said.
The first meeting on Georgia's preparedness for the oil spill is going on today at the State Capitol in Atlanta. A response plan will be discussed. Representatives from the DNR, U.S. Coast Guard, Georgia Emergency Management Association, and the Georgia Department of Community Health will be on hand. The impacts of the oil spill on Georgia's tourism and fishing industries will also be addressed. Spud Woodward, director of Coastal Resources for the DNR, will lead the discussion on the severity of the situation.