President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy – Interim Committee Work

ATLANTA (August 19, 2024) - As summer transitions into fall, the Georgia Senate continues its critical work on issues that will shape the future of our state. On Tuesday, August 13, I had the privilege of chairing the first Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee meeting-dedicated to exploring how Georgia can continue to stand at the forefront of the nation's forestry sector.

At our first meeting at the Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters, we laid the groundwork for the important work ahead. Our committee is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing Georgia forestry, especially the shrinking markets for forestry products. Many families in our state rely on forestry and forestland investments, not just for their daily lives but also to achieve their dreams-whether it's owning a home, educating their children, securing a comfortable retirement or maintaining a good standard of living. The challenges we face impact landowners, businesses and communities throughout Georgia and we must work together to find solutions.

At the heart of our discussions was the need to innovate and adapt in the face of these challenges. Georgia's forestry industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, and our committee is committed to ensuring that it remains so by exploring new technologies, sustainable practices and emerging markets. We're not just aiming to hold our ground, but to grow and lead in new directions that will keep Georgia at the forefront of the industry on a global scale.

Our speakers emphasized the importance of advocating for our state's 22 million acres of working forests and the need to protect the private property rights of forest landowners. Their perspective highlighted the industry's significant role in our state's economy and the importance of creating a favorable business environment for its producers. These foundational presentations gave us a comprehensive understanding of the current state of Georgia's forestry sector, helping to identify the strengths that have made us a national leader and the obstacles that could hinder future progress.

The work of this committee is about more than just economic growth; it's about ensuring the future viability of an industry that supports countless families and communities across Georgia. As we look ahead, the potential for Georgia to shape the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is particularly exciting. With global demand for SAF on the rise, Georgia's vast forest resources present a unique opportunity to pioneer advancements in this field. By harnessing innovative approaches from around the world-like those I witnessed firsthand at a groundbreaking SAF conversion plant in Bordeaux, France-we have the chance to create solutions that fuel our economy and set a new standard for environmental responsibility.

A key aspect of our discussions included learning about the environmental benefits of working forests. These forests contribute to our economy and play a crucial role in maintaining environmental health by sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity and preserving water quality. Understanding these benefits will be central to our efforts to promote sustainable practices within the industry.

This committee will delve deeper into these issues throughout the coming months, hearing from various experts, industry leaders and community stakeholders. The recommendations emerging from our discussions are intended to guide the state in leveraging its vast forest resources in economically beneficial and environmentally responsible ways. I'm honored to lead this committee and look forward to the progress we will make together. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Georgia's forestry industry.

You can find more information about the committee's work and upcoming meetings here.

*Attached is a photo for your use.*

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18^th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at [email protected].

Please direct all media inquiries to [email protected].

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