Following intense advocacy by water quality groups and action by Sens Ossoff and Warnock – vital water quality monitoring will continue in the southeast.
Earlier this year, the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) made a decision to terminate the lease of the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) Water Science Center in Norcross.
This facility tests water quality to ensure the safety of drinking water in Georgia and other southeastern states. Following pushback, the General Services Administration (GSA) rescinded the termination of the USGS lease. A victory for water users across Georgia.
This is important because, “Local officials in metro Atlanta rely on gauges at Lake Lanier to ensure enough water is drawn from the lake to provide water to millions of Georgians every day. These gauges also inform water flows for Georgia’s agriculture industry, nuclear reactors across the state, and Department of Defense installations, among others.”
This story is a positive example of pushing against unfavorable policy decisions, particularly those that threaten environmental health and human safety. Take action and use your voice to protect the environment and yourself.