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The Georgia Forum |
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Urban Agriculture Council Thankful For HB 1281 as Governor Signs Legislation Into Law For Immediate Release: May 14, 2008 Urban Agriculture Council Thankful For HB 1281 as Governor Signs Legislation Into Law
New law is first step in returning water fairness and common sense
ATLANTA – The Georgia Urban Agriculture Council today praised the Georgia Legislature for passing HB 1281 and Governor Perdue for signing the legislation into law. The legislation provides homeowners and businesses with a standard set of rules for being responsible water users during droughts. Before the passage of HB 1281, water consumers were forced to sometimes wade through complicated watering rules enacted by multiple water providers, which created confusion for consumers and businesses. With this new law, State rules will be the standard for best watering practices for most water consumers.
“Homeowners, landscape professionals and other Georgia water users are capable of using water responsibly if they are aware that water is a limited resource,” said Mary Kay Woodworth, UAC President. “But it is nearly impossible when faced with conflicting water regulations issued by various water authorities. This law is an important first step in restoring fairness, equity and responsible water stewardship to our state.”
Until the fall of 2007, urban agriculture had an $8 billion economic impact in Georgia with 7,000 companies and more than 80,000 employees. However, watering restrictions caused more than 35,000 job cuts and monthly revenue losses estimated at $262,612,000. The restrictions ultimately caused a $3.15 billion loss for the year, reducing this industry by more than a third. With the easing of some watering restrictions, the industry is beginning to recover, but is likely to experience economic hardship for the remainder of 2008.
Healthy and properly maintained landscapes are critical to water management and storage in an urban environment. Lawns, ground covers, vegetation and even hardscapes are crucial to managing ground water and:
Assist in retention, filtration and purification of a watershed Increase the urban forest and remove CO2 from the air Reduce the urban heat effect and improve air and water quality Reduce lake and stream pollution and soil erosion Recharge groundwater supplies and contribute to noise and glare reduction Provide critical wildlife habitats and provide a more aesthetically pleasing and sustainable environment.
All of this is essential to maintaining good environmental health and a good quality of life for Georgians. Please visit www.outdoorwateruse.com for additional information.
ABOUT GEORGIA URBAN AGRICULTURE COUNCIL The Georgia Urban Agriculture Council is composed of: Coastal Landscape & Turf Professional Association, Georgia Green Industry Association, Georgia Irrigation Association, Georgia Sod Producers Association, Georgia Turfgrass Association, and the Metro Atlanta Landscape and Turf Association.
May 15, 2008 Urban Agriculture Council
Contact Mary Kay Woodworth
770-359-7337
The UAC is a nonprofit association created for the purpose of building a greater public awareness of urban agriculture and its importance to Georgia’s natural environmental systems. UAC represents one of the largest industries in Georgia that includes retail garden centers, floriculturists, turf grass and sod growers, the nursery and horticulture industry, landscape architects, landscape installation and maintenance businesses, irrigation contractors, green wholesalers, florists and golf courses and their related businesses. The industry also works closely with the Georgia Center for Urban Agriculture at the University of Georgia.
