Georgia regulators are considering how to speed up the processing of environmental permits for firms willing to pay a premium.
A little-noticed Senate bill passed this year allows firms seeking permits from the Environmental Protection Division to pay a premium so they get results faster. The Georgia Chamber of Commerce pushed for the bill, saying that authority was helpful to attract new jobs and industries to Georgia.
Environmental watchdog groups call it the "pay-to-play" law.
Final program rules have not been adopted. State officials are still discussing how the system will work. The state government will still have final say on whether a permit is issued.
Critics worry about potential conflicts of interest between those seeking permits and those getting paid to do the reviews.
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Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:48 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:48:59 GMT
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.Spartacus, a 3-year-old Belgian Malinois, was found dead in his handler's patrol car. Authorities later
The Woodstock Police Department says a police K-9 died after being left in his handler's patrol car.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 11:38 PM EDT2013-06-19 03:38:42 GMT
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
The City Council of Chamblee has delayed a controversial land rezoning variance. The Council also issued a preliminary resolution saying that they wanted to fire their own manager.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 10:53 PM EDT2013-06-19 02:53:05 GMT
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
A local couple is happy to hear that members of a morning radio show fired for mocking a former ex-NFL star battling ALS now admit that they went too far.
