State Rep. Lynn Smith Plays Key Role in the 7th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference

ATLANTA – State Representative Lynn Smith (R-Newnan) recently served as a keynote panel speaker at the 7th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference. As Chairman of the House Committee on Natural Resources and Environment, Rep. Smith shared her unique understanding of Georgia’s environmental issues during the “State of the State” panel discussion.

“It is an honor to once again be a part of the panel discussions at the Georgia Environmental Conference,” said Rep. Smith. “This annual event provides a unique opportunity for me to help Georgia’s government leaders and business professionals better understand recent developments regarding our state’s water supply, while also learning about new and developing issues from academic experts, professionals, and other policy makers.”

Although the 2011 special legislative session prevented Rep. Smith from speaking at last year’s conference, she has regularly participated in the Georgia Environmental Conference as a key note panelist over the past several years.

During this year’s conference panel discussion titled “State of the State: Georgia’s Regulatory & Legislative Update,” Rep. Smith led discussions concerning the recent developments in the court case between Georgia, Alabama, and Florida over the water flow rates of the Chattahoochee River, as well as Georgia’s extensive legislative action over the last decade that has made Georgia the role model for water stewardship throughout the country. Rep. Smith also discussed state funding for regional water plans and for the state Environmental Protection Division of the Department of Natural Resources.

Other participants on the “State of the State” panel discussion included state Senators Rick Jeffares (R-Locust Grove) and Doug Stoner (D-Smyrna). The panel discussion was moderated by Jim Stokes, the President of Sustainable Solutions Georgia.

The Annual Georgia Environmental Conference is billed as the state’s largest and most comprehensive educational opportunity for professionals practicing in the environmental arena. This year’s 7th Annual Georgia Environmental Conference was held in Savannah, Georgia from August 22-24. An estimated 500 participants attended the conference, including government officials, business and industry leaders, engineers, developers, land owners, architects, agribusiness leaders, energy experts, and public health officials.

Representative Lynn Smith represents the citizens of District 70, which includes portions of Coweta and Heard counties. She was elected into the House of Representatives in 1996, and is currently the Chairman of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. She also serves on the Appropriations, Legislative & Congressional Reapportionment, and Rules committees. For more information about Rep. Smith, please visit her official Facebook fan page at the following link: http://www.facebook.com/pages/State-Rep-Lynn-Smith-R-70/62557803511.

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