Ga. Dems announce plans for deportation bill; Cowsert AG run; Air Quality Report

Summary

Georgia Today: April 23, 2025 – Comprehensive Episode Summary

Hosted by Peter Biello and produced by Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), the April 23, 2025, episode of Georgia Today delves into pivotal state issues, including legislative moves on deportation, air quality challenges, political races, and community developments. Below is a detailed summary capturing all key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Democratic State Senators Propose Deportation Protection Bill

Overview: Democratic state senators in Georgia have announced plans to introduce legislation aimed at safeguarding U.S. citizens and lawful residents from deportation. This initiative marks a significant response to existing state-level immigration enforcement measures.

Key Points:

• Legislation Details: The proposed bill seeks to prohibit Georgia county and municipal law enforcement agencies from participating in the deportation of U.S. citizens or individuals with lawful permanent residency.

• Support and Opposition: Democratic Senator Elena Parent is a prominent supporter of the bill. However, the legislation is expected to encounter resistance within the Republican-controlled legislature, especially considering the 2024 law mandating local law enforcement compliance with federal immigration efforts.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Thompson (ALA Advocacy Lead):
  "[00:42] This really, you know, underscores the need for more monitors and access to air quality data. That's really our call to action."

• Senator Elena Parent:
  "[01:24] We need to pass this law and speak out, defend our citizens, defend due process and defend democracy while we still can."

Conclusion: The bill represents a crucial effort by Democratic senators to limit state involvement in immigration enforcement, emphasizing the protection of residents' rights. Its success will depend on the political dynamics within the legislature.

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2. Air Quality in Georgia Declines, Calling for Action

Overview: The American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report reveals deteriorating air quality in Georgia, attributing the decline to elevated levels of ozone and particulate pollution exacerbated by human activities and climate change.

Key Points:

• County Grades:

  • Fulton County received an overall failing grade due to high instances of smog and soot from vehicles, power plants, and fossil fuel usage.
  • Macon performed better but still fell short of national air quality standards.
  • Savannah maintained minimal changes but lost its ranking as one of the cleanest U.S. cities.

• Monitoring Gaps: Only 16% of Georgia counties are equipped with EPA air quality monitors, highlighting significant gaps in data collection and monitoring.

Notable Quotes:

• Dana Thompson (ALA Advocacy Lead):
  "[02:42] This really, you know, underscores the need for more monitors and access to air quality data. That's really our call to action."

• Sophie Gradas (Reporter):
  "[02:11] The air quality report grades counties based on standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency... Even as Congress eyes cuts to the EPA and moves to reverse some emissions-related regulations."

Conclusion: The report underscores the urgent need for enhanced air quality monitoring and regulatory measures in Georgia. Advocacy groups are calling for increased infrastructure to ensure comprehensive data collection and informed policymaking.

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3. Sheriff Drops Charge Over Tribal License Plates

Overview: A South Georgia sheriff has dismissed a charge against Jonathan Carlson, a member of the Red Lake Nation, after a dispute over the recognition of his tribally issued license plate.

Key Points:

• Incident Details: Jonathan Carlson was stopped in Crisp County for speeding. The deputy did not recognize Carlson's tribal license plate, insisting it was invalid.

• Resolution: Sheriff Bill Hancock acknowledged the oversight, explaining that tribal plates are not included in the national online database used by officers. As a result, the charge related to the license plate was dropped, though Carlson remains cited for speeding.

• Future Measures: Sheriff Hancock plans to advocate for comprehensive training on tribal plates and their recognition to be incorporated into statewide road officer training programs.

Notable Quotes:

• Sheriff Bill Hancock:
  "[03:01] ...because plates from Red Lake Nation aren't part of a national online database relied on by officers."

Conclusion: This incident highlights the need for improved training and resources for law enforcement regarding the recognition of tribally issued license plates, fostering better relations and ensuring fair treatment of Native American citizens.

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4. State Attorney General Race: Cowsert and Strickland Announce Candidacy

Overview: The race for Georgia’s state attorney general has gained momentum with the announcement of Republican candidates Bill Cowsert and Brian Strickland, marking a significant development in the state's political landscape.

Key Points:

• Bill Cowsert's Candidacy:

  • Background: Serving in the state Senate since 2006, representing Clark, Oconee, and Walton counties.
  • Focus Areas: Plans to target undocumented immigrants, sex trafficking, and fentanyl distribution.
  • Support: Endorsed by a former Walton county sheriff and the current Oconee county sheriff.
  • Quote from Cowsert:
    "[04:01] ...if elected attorney general, he will focus on cracking down on undocumented immigrants, sex trafficking and fentanyl distributors."

• Brian Strickland's Entry:

  • Position: Also a state senator, joining Cowsert in the race.

• Democratic Landscape: No Democrats have yet declared their intention to run for the attorney general position, potentially shaping the competitive dynamics of the race.

Notable Quotes:

• Emma Auer McDonough (Reporter):
  "[04:01] ...he led the Senate Special Investigations Committee that looked into alleged misconduct by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis."

Conclusion: The entry of two Republican candidates without Democratic contenders announced opens the field for a potentially intense race, with key issues centered around law enforcement and public safety. Voters will be keenly watching how the candidates differentiate themselves and address statewide concerns.

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5. Georgia Mourns Pope Francis

Overview: The passing of Pope Francis has elicited global mourning, including in Georgia, where local churches held memorial services honoring his legacy.

Key Points:

• Memorial Services: The Archdiocese of Savannah conducted a Mass at the Basilica of St. John the Baptist, emphasizing Pope Francis’s call to action and faith-driven initiatives.

• Notable Quotes:

  • Rev. Daniel Fuhrman:
    "[05:14] Like a father does, like a father says. You can do this. Go out to the peripheries. You can do this church, be a field hospital. You can do this."

• Archdiocese of Atlanta: Scheduled to hold a Mass the following evening to further honor Pope Francis’s memory.

Conclusion: The Catholic community in Georgia reflects on Pope Francis's impact, focusing on his encouragement towards active faith and community service, inspiring local congregations to continue his mission of compassion and outreach.

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6. Permits and Development: Recycling Plant and Atlanta's Tallest Building

A. Proposed Recycling Plant in Middle Georgia

Overview: Georgia air quality regulators are deliberating on issuing a permit for Brightmark’s nearly $1 billion plastics recycling plant in Thomaston, Middle Georgia.

Key Points:

• Plant Operations: Intended to convert plastic waste back into oil for re-manufacturing new plastics.

• Community Response:

  • Supporters: Highlight the potential creation of approximately 200 new jobs and the facility's role in waste management.
  • Opponents: Express skepticism about the environmental benefits and economic feasibility, raising concerns over potential health risks.

Conclusion: The proposed recycling plant represents a contentious development, balancing economic opportunities against environmental and health considerations, reflecting broader national debates on sustainable practices and industrial growth.

B. Atlanta’s Tallest Building Milestone

Overview: Developers of a 60-story mixed-use tower in Midtown Atlanta have announced surpassing the 20th floor mark, signaling progress towards becoming the city's tallest residential building.

Key Points:

• Project Details: Upon completion next year, 1072 W. Peachtree St. will stand at 730 feet with over 300 apartments, surpassing Weston Peachtree Plaza.

• Historical Context: The last significant addition to Atlanta’s skyline was in 1992, with the rise of multiple buildings exceeding 700 feet.

Notable Quotes:

• Developer Rockefeller Group:
  "[06:00] ...the tallest building to be built in Georgia in more than three decades has reached a milestone..."

Conclusion: The construction of Georgia’s tallest building marks a significant development milestone, potentially redefining Midtown Atlanta's skyline and contributing to the city's urban evolution.

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7. Georgia Department of Agriculture Releases U-Pick Agritourism Map

Overview: The Georgia Department of Agriculture has unveiled its 2025 U-Pick Agritourism Map, spotlighting 35 farms across the state that offer hands-on farm experiences to the public.

Key Points:

• Diverse Offerings: Activities include picking strawberries and blueberries in North Georgia to harvesting peaches and pears in South Georgia.

• Economic and Educational Impact: The initiative promotes local agriculture, supports farm revenues, and provides educational opportunities for families and visitors.

Access Information: Listeners are directed to visit georgiagrown.com and navigate to the Agritourism section to explore the map.

Conclusion: The U-Pick Agritourism Map enhances community engagement with agriculture, encouraging tourism and supporting Georgia's farming communities by making agricultural experiences accessible and enjoyable.

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Final Notes: The episode of Georgia Today effectively covers a range of significant topics affecting Georgia residents, from legislative efforts and environmental concerns to political races and community developments. Through insightful reporting and inclusion of direct quotes, the podcast provides listeners with a comprehensive understanding of the issues shaping the state.

For more detailed updates and ongoing coverage, listeners are encouraged to visit gpb.org/news.

Transcript

[DBHDD Representative]

DBHDD is reminding Georgians that the 988 lifeline can help those worried about opioid and stimulant misuse. The three digit number is free and confidential. Help is available 24. 7 more [e-mail].

[Peter Biello]

Welcome to Georgia Today. Here we bring you the latest reports from the GPB newsroom. On today's episode, Democratic state senators announced legislation to protect U.S. citizens from deportation Athens State Senator Bill Kousser says he'll run for state attorney general and the new study says air quality in Georgia has a lot of room for improvement.

[Dana Thompson]

This really, you know, underscores the need for more monitors and access to air quality data. That's really our call to action.

[Peter Biello]

Today is Wednesday, April 23rd. I'm Peter Biello and and this is Georgia Today. Democratic state senators are promising state level action to try to protect U.S. citizens and those legally in the country from deportation. GPB's Sarah Kallis reports.

[Sarah Kallis]

The lawmaker said in a news conference they will file legislation during the next legislative session that would prohibit Georgia county and municipal law enforcement from facilitating deportation of citizens or lawful permanent residence. Democratic Senator Elena Parent supports the proposed bill.

[Dana Thompson]

We need to pass this law and speak out, defend our citizens, defend due process and defend democracy while we still can.

[Sarah Kallis]

The bill will likely face an uphill battle in the Republican controlled legislature. In 2024, the legislature passed a bill that requires local law enforcement to comply with federal immigration enforcement. For GPV News, I'm Sarah Kallis at the State Capitol.

[Peter Biello]

The air we breathe every day is getting worse, according to the American Lung Association's 2025 State of the Air report, which was released today. And that's because of unhealthy levels of ozone and particle pollution made worse by human activity and a changing climate. GPB's Sophie Gradis has more on what this all means in Georgia.

[Sophie Gradas]

The report grades counties based on standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency. Fulton county overall failed for its average of days, with high exposure to smog and soot coming from cars, power plants and other fossil fuels. Macon fared better but worse than national standards. And while Savannah saw minimal changes in its air quality, it still lost its spot as one of the cleanest U.S. cities. Only 16% of Georgia counties have EPA air quality monitors, says Dana Thompson, ALA's Advocacy Lead in Georgia.

[Dana Thompson]

This really, you know, underscores the need for more monitors and access to air quality data. That's really our call to action.

[Sophie Gradas]

Even as Congress eyes cuts to the EPA and moves to reverse some emissions related regulations. For GPB News, I'm Sophie Gradas.

[Peter Biello]

A South Georgia sheriff is dropping a charge against a Minnesota man whose tribally issued license plate wasn't recognized by a deputy. Jonathan Carlson, a citizen of the Red Lake Nation, told Minnesota Public Radio he was stopped in Crisp county on his way back from a Florida vacation by a deputy who insisted he remove his plate issued by the tribal government. He's like, where's your real tags? So we were just going back and forth about it, so he kept telling me they're fake, crisp County Sheriff Bill Hancock tells gpb. That was because plates from Red Lake Nation aren't part of a national online database relied on by officers. Now Sheriff Hancock says he dropped the license plate charge and that he will advocate for training on tribal plates to be added to road officer training statewide. Carlson remains charged with a speeding violation. ATHENS State Senator Bill Cowsert says he'll run for state attorney general, becoming the second Republican to join the race from WGA in Athens. Emma Auer reports.

[Emma Auer McDonough]

Cowsert, a Republican, has served in the state Senate since 2006. He represents Clark, Oconee and Walton counties in northeast Georgia and led the Senate Special Investigations Committee that looked into alleged misconduct by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Kausert says that if elected attorney general, he will focus on cracking down on undocumented immigrants, sex trafficking and fentanyl distributors. A graduate of the University of Georgia School of Law, he is the founding partner of a law firm in Athens. In a statement, Kausert was endorsed by a former Walton county sheriff and the current Oconee county sheriff. For GPB News, I'm Emma Auer McDonough.

[Peter Biello]

State Senator Brian Strickland also has filed papers to run. So far, no Democrats have announced they will seek the office. Mourners around the world and here in Georgia are paying their respects for Pope Francis, who died on Monday. The Archdiocese of Savannah held a Mass last night at the cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist. The Rev. Daniel Fuhrman said Francis called upon parishioners to put faith into action, challenged us.

[Rev. Daniel Fuhrman]

Like a father does, like a father says. You can do this. Go out to the peripheries. You can do this church, be a field hospital. You can do this.

[Peter Biello]

The Archdiocese of Atlanta will celebrate a Mass for the repose of the soul of Pope Francis tomorrow night. Georgia air quality regulators are considering a permit for a proposed nearly $1 billion plastics recycling plant in Middle Georgia. A California based company, Brightmark, announced a year ago today plans for the facility in Thomaston it aims to turn plastic waste back into oil to be used again as new plastics. The town is divided over Breitmark. Economic boosters point to the company's promise of nearly 200 new jobs. Project opponents doubt its environmental benefits and economic viability, while warning of potential health dangers. The tallest building to be built in Georgia in more than three decades has reached a milestone, developers Rockefeller Group said yesterday its 60 story mixed use tower in Midtown Atlanta has now exceeded its 20th floor of construction. Once complete next year 1072 W. Peachtree St. Will be the city's tallest residential tower with more than 300 apartments. At 730ft, it'll be taller than the shiny circular Weston Peachtree Plaza. The last time anything so tall rose in Atlanta was 1992, when three new buildings, all exceeding 700ft, became part of the city's iconic skyline. State agriculture officials want people to know where they can pick their own fruits and flowers this growing season. The Georgia Department of Agriculture today released its 2025 U Pick Agritourism Map. It highlights 35 farms across the state offering hands on farm adventures. They range from U pick strawberries and blueberries in North Georgia to peaches and pears in South Georgia. You can find the [e-mail] Click on Agritourism. Thanks so much for listening to Georgia Today. That's a wrap, but we'll be back tomorrow, so make sure you subscribe to this podcast. For any updates to these stories and all of the latest news, check gpb.org news. Our reporters are constantly posting new stories there. If you've got feedback, we would love to hear from you. Send it to us by email. The address is Georgia todaypb.org I'm Peter Biello. Thanks again for listening. We'll see you tomorrow.

[Tonya Moseley]

This is Tonya Moseley, co host of Fresh Air. You'll see your favorite actors, directors and comedians on late night TV shows or YouTube. But what you get with Fresh Air is a deep dive. Spend some quality time with people like Billie Eilish, Questlove, Ariana Grande, Stephen Colbert and so many more. We ask questions you won't hear asked anywhere else. Listen to the Fresh Air podcast from NPR and whyyy.