Georgia Today — October 24, 2025

Host: Orlando Montoya
Production: Georgia Public Broadcasting
Main Theme:
On this episode, Georgia Today delivers critical updates on the slowing pace of clean energy job growth, a devastating fire impacting the state’s peanut farmers, and the looming threat to food assistance caused by the government shutdown. The episode also touches on housing affordability, Supreme Court cases, and efforts to protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Clean Energy Jobs in Georgia Slowing

[00:42–01:45]

• Report Findings:

  • A new study by E2 (nonpartisan group) reveals that although Georgia led the country in new clean energy projects in 2023, the pace has now slowed.
  • In 2025, three clean energy projects were announced, but three were also canceled.
  • Notable Impact:
    • Canceled projects resulted in over $3.3 billion in lost investment and 1,300 forecasted jobs.

• Contributing Factors:

  • The decline is partially attributed to the end of federal clean energy incentives and tax credits initiated by the Trump administration.
  • Despite setbacks, Georgia retains dozens of active projects, with billions of dollars still being invested.

• Memorable Quote:

  • "Those three projects canceled...represented a sizable amount of lost investment. Over $3.3 billion in lost investment and over 1,300 jobs forecast that will no longer be brought to the state."
    — SAC Amitai, E2, [01:14]

2. Wilcox County Peanut Facility Fire

[01:45–02:27]

• Incident Details:

  • A major fire destroyed the Doster drying field facility in Rochelle, a critical hub for peanut farmers.
  • The blaze consumed 20 semi truckloads of newly harvested peanuts.

• Context:

  • Comes after two difficult years for peanut farmers, who have struggled with falling sales due to USDA cuts.
  • The federal government shutdown is further complicating matters by cutting off access to essential harvest loans.

3. Government Shutdown & SNAP Benefits

[02:27–03:41]

• SNAP at Risk:

  • The ongoing shutdown threatens to halt Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for about 1 million Georgians.
  • Georgia Democrats, led by Rep. Sanford Bishop (GA-2), have urged the USDA to use their emergency $5 billion reserve to extend benefits.

• Shortfall:

  • The need projected is $8 billion, leaving a significant gap even if emergency funds are used.

• Additional Requests:

  • Bishop also advocates for the extension of Affordable Care Act tax subsidies.

• State Response Sought:

  • Atlanta State Rep. Kim Schofield and others are lobbying Governor Brian Kemp to utilize part of Georgia’s $15 billion surplus to fill SNAP funding gaps.
  • Powerful Quote:
    • "We all in Georgia keep touting that it's the best place to work, live, raise a family. How can that be so now if your family does not have electricity or heat or food or clothing or health care?"
      — Rep. Kim Schofield, [03:25]

• Current Situation:

  • No public contingency plan has been announced for SNAP continuation in Georgia.

4. Atlanta Regional Concerns Survey

[03:41–04:20]

• Top Issues for Residents:
  • Housing affordability, traffic, and crime are the leading concerns in metro Atlanta, as reported in the latest Atlanta Speaks survey.
  • For the first time, housing affordability was an option—two-thirds of respondents said they couldn’t afford to move within their own neighborhoods.

5. Georgia Supreme Court Cases

[04:20–05:35]

• Key Cases Heard:
  • Roadway Safety:
    • Stemming from a fatal 2016 crash involving a concrete planter in Milton; the city is now appealing to the state Supreme Court after losing a multimillion-dollar judgment.
  • Auto Sales Regulation:
    • Deliberating who is authorized to sell cars.
  • Child Custody:
    • Focused on caregiver status rights involving a child born to an unmarried couple via sperm donor; the birth mother seeks to reverse an order granting caregiver status to her former partner.

6. Efforts to Protect Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge

[05:35–end]

• Citizen Action:

  • Over 24,000 petition signatures and 300 pieces of children’s artwork were delivered to Governor Brian Kemp, urging permanent protection of the Okefenokee.

• Legislation:

  • Pending House Bill 561 (Okefenokee Protection Act) would ban future surface mining on Trail Ridge but remains stalled in committee.

• Recent Industry Action:

  • Twin Pines Minerals (Alabama-based) abandoned mining plans and will instead sell 8,000 acres near the refuge.
  • Mining attempts date back to the 1990s with DuPont.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Clean Energy:

  • "Over $3.3 billion in lost investment and over 1,300 jobs..."
    — SAC Amitai, [01:14]

• SNAP & Living Conditions:

  • "How can that be so now if your family does not have electricity or heat or food or clothing or health care?"
    — Rep. Kim Schofield, [03:25]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Clean energy transition slowdown: [00:42–01:45]
• Wilcox County peanut facility fire: [01:45–02:27]
• SNAP benefits and government shutdown: [02:27–03:41]
• Metro Atlanta survey results: [03:41–04:20]
• Georgia Supreme Court docket: [04:20–05:35]
• Okefenokee protection efforts: [05:35–end]

This episode offers a concise yet comprehensive look at urgent statewide issues—energy, agriculture, food security, housing, and environmental protection—capturing the concerns and advocacy efforts shaping Georgia’s present and future.