~ Click for more details and listings under each item ~ Energy Policy Offshore Oil is a Deceptive Distraction. The Center's Executive Director issues a statement in response to proposals to develop offshore oil resources along the U.S. East Coast. [Note: A portion of this commentary was published as a guest column in the op-ed section of The Atlanta Journal Constitution on July 3, 2008.) ...more By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     7.12.08 The Center's executive director is moderating a panel on water resources management at the Third Annual Environmental Conference hosted by the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, August 27 - 29 in Savannah. The panel will be held on Friday, August 29 from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on River Street, next to Savannah City Hall. As part of the panel, in addition to speaking on the critical issue of controlling non-point source pollution, Center staff has invited a Sierra Club representative to give a talk on the Savannah River Basin Initiative, a project that the Center is helping to organize and promote. To register or to learn more about the conference, please Click HERE To learn more about the Savannah River Basin Initiative, please click HERE. By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     7.12.08 Public Comment on the 2nd Draft State Energy Strategy for Georgia By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.12.06 Comments on Public Health Risks Related to the Proposed Asphalt Plant in the City of Brunswick, Georgia - July 7, 2004 By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     8.5.04 Center joins the Glynn Environmental Coalition ("GEC") in petitioning the Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to object to the EPD issuance of the Title V (Clean Air Act) Operating Permit for Hercules, Incorporated - Brunswick. Complaint filed by the Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation (LEAF, www.leaflaw.org). Hercules Petition (PDF Download .19MB))     2.08.03 Save The Clean Air Act Georgia Environmental and Health Advocates Expose State's Failure to Enforce Clean Air Laws Air Deposition & Water Pollution Center Joins in Filing Legal Petition to Review Air Pollution Permits Dirty Power Plants Pollute Air, Land, and Water Each year coal-fired power plants pump tens of millions of tons of toxic pollutants into the air, endangering our health and the health of our environment. Today, there are more than 500 such facilities in the U.S., and the majority of them were built decades ago. Two dozen of these dirty plants are within polluting distance of coastal Georgia, and three are within our state. Forty percent of their emissions travel 600 miles or more beyond the stacks where they are released. These older plants are significantly dirtier than their modern counterparts, emitting up to ten times more pollution than facilities built today. EPA's webpage on Atmospheric Deposition & Water Quality Water Resources Vision needed, not more delusions. by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     12.27.07 Center Comments on the Draft State Water Management Plan, December 2007 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     12.27.07 Center Staff Makes Statement at Public Hearing in Savannah on State Water Management Plan October 17, 2007 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.25.07 Center Comments on Water Management Plan June 2007 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     6.6.07 Desalination Needed Only if Valid State Water Policy is Neglected by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast; Summer/Fall 2006 Newsletter     10.12.06 Nuclear Power Not the Answer to U. S. Energy Needs by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast Savannah Morning News July 4, 2001 Senate Bill 524 Is Unwise & Unwarranted by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast -     4.28.04 "Ground Water and Surface Water a Single Resource"     1.29.03 -- recent circular posted at United States Geological Survey website addresses major water resource issues of key relevance to coastal Georgia. Available as pdf file on USGS website. Go to http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/circ1139/ The Economic Importance of Water Conservation in Coastal Georgia by David Kyler    1.26.03 Conservation As A Critically Needed Water Supply Source by David Kyler    1.26.03 Marsh Die-off By Mary Landers, Savannah Morning News     1.23.03 A National Strategy to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat     7.9.02 The purpose of "A National Strategy" is to provide a framework for restoring function to coastal and estuarine habitat. It seeks to ensure that restoration priorities are established, diverse programs are coordinated to maximize benefits, and public expectations are both established and met. Restore America's Estuaries worked closely with scientists, community leaders, nongovernmental organizations and representatives of government at all levels to develop this strategy. "A National Strategy" is available in print, on the web in PDF, and as an interactive CD-ROM. To request a printed copy or the interactive CD-ROM, please contact Restore America's Estuaries at info@estuaries.org with your name, affiliation, mailing address and phone number. Center Takes Steps to Protect Coastal Rivers, Fisheries (PDF Download 382k) Spring-Summer 2002 Newsletter Water Resource Use and Conservation in Georgia (PDF Download 693k) Spring-Summer 2002 Newsletter "Metro Atlanta is Not Running Out of Water" By Harold Reheis, published Atlanta Journal-Constitution June 10, 2002. Reply to Harold Reheis Letter on Water Quality Issues Statement Regarding the Proposed Use of the Lower Floridan Aquifer in Bryan County Coastal Surface Water Quality & Quantity Issues Related to Watershed Land Issues Center Files Water Quality Petition with Georgia Board of Natural Resources Coastal Watersheds Marine Aquaculture Potential in Georgia Center Appeals Marshland Permit WHITE PAPER for Georgia Water Management Planning Coastal Fisheries and Water Permitting Issues in the Lower Altamaha and other Coastal Rivers Assessment of Proposed Savannah Harbor Deepening Plagued by Risk & Uncertainty Summary of Major Coastal Water Resource Problems Redefining Progress Using "The Precautionary Principle" Victory for Coastal Georgia's Water Resource Protection! EPD Denies Permit Offshore Oil Pollution Comes Mostly as Runoff, Study Says By Andrew C. Revkin, New York Times; May 24, 2002 Coastal Management (Resource conservation & assessment, sustainable fisheries, and responsible development) Center & Executive Director Honored by Common Cause Georgia 5.22.08 Comments regarding the proposed rules for issuing marsh buffer variances To DNR Board and Staff from David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast May 10, 2007: For the same reason that we are compelled to closely monitor many decisions made by the Coastal Marshlands Protection Committee, we are concerned that rules being proposed for issuing variances under that Coastal Marshlands Protection Act will lack sufficient analysis and monitoring to ensure protection of the public interest...more     5.17.07 Center Comments on Proposed DNR Marsh Rules, January 9, 2007 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast; 1. The proposed rules weaken current legal interpretation of the Marsh Act by attempting to circumvent and contradict the findings in case law decisions issued over the past several years by three different judges....more     1.12.07 Coastal Growth Steady, But Adverse Impacts Compounding by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast, published in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ("Plant the seeds for viable coastal future') on December 29, 2006 and in the Bryan County News (entitled as posted here) on January 4, 2007: Recent population projections for the Georgia coast issued by Georgia Tech say nothing new. We're growing at almost 20 percent a decade, meaning a near doubling every 35 years....more     1.12.07 Cumberland Harbour Guest Editorial January 6, 2006; To the Editorial Board, The Brunswick News Re. Cumberland Harbour Project, St. Marys; Dear Sirs: Over the last few years the editors of the Brunswick News have been the first to advise why we as citizens of Coastal Georgia should be good stewards of the abundant natural resources with which we are blessed. They have strived to strike a balance between economic development and environmental protection. It was therefore alarming to read their editorial claiming simply that the marinas proposed as a part of the Cumberland Harbour development in Camden County would benefit many......more     1.12.06 Soil erosion a continuing threat to coastal waterways, fishing, and jobs Despite state regulations meant to control soil erosion, stormwater runoff remains a major form of water contamination in Georgia. Past regulation efforts have been erratically enforced and commonly violated. A 2002 performance audit of Georgia's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Program by the state auditor found numerous administrative, technical, and political obstacles that resulted in failure to prevent water pollution caused by erosion......more     1.12.06 SELC challenges Satilla River Landing development project - again: For the second time, SELC and our coastal partner groups are challenging a proposed marina and subdivision development that threatens to increase pollution in the already stressed Satilla River.....more     9.19.05 Sonlight Enterprises and Georgia Wetlands - SELC leads fight to protect Georgia’s Wetlands - National and state environmental groups, represented by the Southern Environmental Law Center are threatening to sue the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to protect 112 acres of wetlands near Savannah over the Corps' determination that the wetlands on Sonlight Enterprises proposed "The Heritage" development are "isolated" and therefore not protected by the federal Clean Water Act....more     9.19.05 Poster for Labor Day Event Sept. 5, 2005 pdf file "Wave Goodbye to Summer, Not Our Healthy Shorelines"   9.8.05 Setting the Record Straight on Marsh Permit Appeals By David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast   1.14.05 Coastal Conservationists Challenge State on Marsh Development Permit Southern Environmental Law Center Press Release 12/9/04   12.11.04 Cumberland Harbour Letter to the City of St. Marys - August 20, 2004 By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.9.04 Wilmington Plantation Marina Project Letter to the Corps of Engineers - August 20, 2004 By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.9.04 Satilla River Landing Project Letter to Coastal Resources Division - April 28, 2004 By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.9.04 Comments on the Dover Bluff Project Little Satilla River, Camden County By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     10.9.04 Center Comments on Coastal Permitting By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     8.5.04 Statement on Terra Firma Buffer Variance By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     5.12.04 Cumberland Harbour Project Final Comments April 16, 2004 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     4.28.04 Comments on the Gray's Reef Management Plan Presented by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast December 2, 2003     4.28.04 State of the Coast Report: Executive Summary Achieving Healthy Coastal Communities, a Thriving Economy & Environmental Quality by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     4.28.04 Coastal Stewardship As an active member of the Coastal Advisory Council, the Georgia Environmental Council, the Savannah Harbor Expansion Stakeholder Evaluation Group, the Glynn County Water Resources Management Advisory Committee, and the Coastal Georgia Greenway Steering Committee, Center staff is promoting stewardship of our natural resources by raising public awareness about vital ecosystem functions, their value to coastal communities, and their importance to existing and future nature-based businesses and jobs. Coastal Advisory Council Initiatives Met with members of the Coastal Advisory Council and staff of the Coastal Resources Division (DNR) to discuss how the program's Coastal Advisory Council (CAC) could become more effective and what their role might be. We proposed steps and criteria for strengthening the program through active council participation. Center staff presented recommendations of the Coastal Advisory Council Steering Committee at an annual meeting for the Council hosted by the Coastal Resources Division of DNR. The Center played a leading role in shaping the future functions of the Council, which will unquestionably enhance the program's effectiveness. See "Defining Sustainability" Also "Is A Sustainable Coast Possible?" Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 "Priorities for making coastal Georgia more sustainable". Nature-Based Business Marine Aquaculture Potential in Georgia Center Comments on Decline in Fishery Resources Coastal Georgia Greenway: Project Update Coastal Fisheries and Water Permitting Issues in the Lower Altamaha and other Coastal Rivers A National Stragety to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat     7.9.02 The purpose of "A National Strategy" is to provide a framework for restoring function to coastal and estuarine habitat. It seeks to ensure that restoration priorities are established, diverse programs are coordinated to maximize benefits, and public expectations are both established and met. Restore America's Estuaries worked closely with scientists, community leaders, nongovernmental organizations and representatives of government at all levels to develop this strategy. "A National Strategy" is available in print, on the web in PDF, and as an interactive CD-ROM. To request a printed copy or the interactive CD-ROM, please contact Restore America's Estuaries at info@estuaries.org with your name, affiliation, mailing address and phone number. Jekyll Island Revelopment Issues Jekyll Island: How Much is Too Much? Center's summary of the current situation with Jekyll Island Redevelopment, from the Spring-Summer 2008 issue of the Center's newsletter. [Note: To receive a copy of the newsletter by mail or email, please contact the Center at 912-638-3612.]     7.12.08 Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island The non-profit organization that we are working closely with in analyzing and commenting on Jekyll Island Authority activities and proposed development of the state park. 7.12.08 A Walk Through Jekyll's Maritime Forest, A web-based slide show hosted by the Initiative to Protect Jekyll Island. 7.12.08 Information on the relationship between Georgia's Shore Protection Act and proposals to redevelop Jekyll Island. 7.12.08 Jekyll Project Still Falls Short by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast; Link to the Savannah News Article     5.22.08 Unanswered questions about Jekyll's redevelopment loom large By David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast; From news coverage of the redevelopment plan for Jekyll Island, you might get the uneasy impression that the major makeover project is nearly ready for the surveyors and construction crews to start working....more     12.27.07 Jekyll Island Redevelopment Survey: In late July, the Center began conducting a brief survey of collaborating non-profit groups to determine: (1) their preferences for the Island's redevelopment, (2) ideas for establishing a process for overseeing that redevelopment, and (3) how the public interest could be protected by using proper tracking and ongoing evaluation. A compilation of survey responses and their respective sources is reported here.     10.5.07 Land-Use / Development / Smart Growth Paradise Paved: Chatham adding almost 3 acres of built surfaces per day By Mary Landers, The Savannah Morning News, March 11, 2007; Chatham gains almost 3 acres of built surfaces a day as green space shrinks steadily. Southern Belle that it is, Savannah might not like the time-lapse images researcher Liz Kramer makes....more     3.28.07 The Georgia Coastal Comprehensive Plan NOTE: This article was prepared by staff of the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) in April 2006 and issued to various organizations for publication. Several statements made were inaccurate or inconsistent with the Center's positions on critical regional issues. Our comments on these points are noted the end of this article. ....more    10.12.06 Comments on the Proposed Union Island Rezoning February 17, 2006, Letter to McIntosh County Commissioners Re: Comments on the Proposed Union Island Rezoning.    4.26.06 Infrastructure Important, But Other Factors Equally Vital I was encouraged to see a recent editorial crediting county officials for their efforts in planning infrastructure needed to support the area's continuing growth. ....more    4.26.06 In Opposition to Backroom Deals for Private Gain at Public Expense This commentary by the Center's executive director was published in Connect Savannah (February 18), The Business Report & Journal (February 21), and Savannah Morning News (February 26).    3.10.05 "Governor Must Reconcile State Development Policy and Budget with Georgia's Environmental Laws" -Guest Editorial Column by the Center's Executive Director published in The Atlanta Journal Constitution, December 20, 2004.    12.21.04 Area Eyes Path to Growth By David Royer - November 06, 2004 - The Brunswick News     11.09.04 Statement on Terra Firma Buffer Variance By David Kyler, Executive Director Center for a Sustainable Coast     5.12.04 Hammock Comments February 3, 2004 by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     4.28.04 The Coastal View Old Problems: New Promises by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast     4.28.04 Citizens Guide to Development in Coastal Georgia     6.19.03 Smart Growth Tools on the Internet For Guiding Coastal Growth & Living on the Coast     4.10.03 Center again succeeds in protecting coastal resources through legal challenge! Judge suspends permit for major marina expansion, cites potential environmental consequences to marshlands, habitat.     2.20.03 Resource Issues and Local Land Use Decisions - A Recommended Approach     2.01.03 Local Tools For Smart Growth: (1.5 Mb) Practical Strategies & Techniques to Improve Our Communities Comments on Glynn County Planning Commission Power Plant Decision Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Local environmental activism gets a new lease on life by David Kyler, Executive Director, Center for a Sustainable Coast Development on Saint Simons Island as Lessons for Coastal Georgia Coastal Georgia Greenway: Project Update Promoting Environmental Criteria For Economic Development Department of Natural Resources Board Members Assessment of Proposed Savannah Harbor Deepening Plagued by Risk & Uncertainty Redefining Progress Using "The Precautionary Principle" About Sprawl and Forests A two-year study released by the U.S. Forest Service (11/26) concludes that the biggest threat to Southern forests is urban sprawl. While timber industry sources applauded the results of the study, environmental groups said Southern forests are being overlogged and took issue with the Forest Service's findings. Additional Headlines: New York Times: "Sprawl Seen Hurting South's Forests." (11/27) Comments Regarding the Proposed Surface Mining in Glynn County Presented by David Kyler to the Glynn County Board of Commissioners on May 2, 2002 Is A Sustainable Coast Possible? Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Environmental Education & Values Summary of comments made to the Joint Committee on Sound Science Initiative, Upper Floridan Aquifer (May 27, 2005) by David Kyler, Executive Director The Center for A Sustainable Coast     6.5.05 In Opposition to Backroom Deals for Private Gain at Public Expense This commentary by the Center's executive director was published in Connect Savannah (February 18), The Business Report & Journal (February 21), and Savannah Morning News (February 26).    3.10.05 National Council for Science and the Environment     12.11.02 "Improving the scientific basis for improving environmental decisionmaking" "Revisiting Carrying Capacity: Area-Based Indicators of Sustainability"     8.17.02 Abstract: Conventional wisdom suggests that because of technology and trade, human carrying capacity is infinitely expandable and therefore virtually irrelevant to demography and development planning. By contrast, this article argues that ecological carrying capacity remains the fundamental basis for demographic accounting. A fundamental question for ecological economics is whether remaining stocks of natural capital are adequate to sustain the anticipated load of the human economy into the next century. Since mainstream (neoclassical) models are blind to ecological structure and function, they cannot even properly address this question. The present article therefore assesses the capital stocks, physical flows, and corresponding ecosystems areas required to support the economy using "ecological footprint" analysis. This approach shows that most so-called "advanced" countries are running massive unaccounted ecological deficits with the rest of the planet. Since not all countries can be net importers of carrying capacity, the material standards of the wealthy cannot be extended sustainably to even the present world population using prevailing technology. In this light, sustainability may well depend on such measures as greater emphasis on equity in international relationships, significant adjustments to prevailing terms of trade, increasing regional self-reliance, and policies to stimulate a massive increase in the material and energy efficiency of economic activity. Main Topic: Indicators of Sustainability; Web Site: http://dieoff.org/page110.htm A National Stragety to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat     7.9.02 The purpose of "A National Strategy" is to provide a framework for restoring function to coastal and estuarine habitat. It seeks to ensure that restoration priorities are established, diverse programs are coordinated to maximize benefits, and public expectations are both established and met. Restore America's Estuaries worked closely with scientists, community leaders, nongovernmental organizations and representatives of government at all levels to develop this strategy. "A National Strategy" is available in print, on the web in PDF, and as an interactive CD-ROM. To request a printed copy or the interactive CD-ROM, please contact Restore America's Estuaries at info@estuaries.org with your name, affiliation, mailing address and phone number. Conservation Requires a Constant Vigil: You Only Get to Lose Once! President's Column: Georgia Wildlife Federation Redefining Progress Using "The Precautionary Principle" National Study Reports on American Public's Environmental Views Center's Priorities Toward a More Sustainable Coast What You Can Do for a More Sustainable Coast http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/sustain/ The Southern Forest Resource Assessment Proposed Nuclear Projects Put Coastal Georgia At Additional Risk Is A Sustainable Coast Possible? Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 Center Hosts Coastal Environmental Forum Thinking Globally, Acting Locally: Local environmental activism gets a new lease on life - by David Kyler Actions and Accomplishments Citizens Guide to Development in Coastal Georgia     6.19.03 The World Summit on Sustainable Development - Press Release    8.28.02 Current ~ Your action still needed: Action Alert! Your Support Urgently Needed !!!     2.27.03 Support Senate Bill 180, the Georgia Water Planning Act, and oppose House Bill 237 unless it is amended to be consistent with SB180. Water Quality Petition Please print, sign & FAX to the Center 912-638-3615 Water Quality Petition Memo To GA Department of Natural Resources Past Action Taken: Marshland Protection Cases (PDF Download 485k) Emerald Pointe & Manhead Marina Spring-Summer 2002 Newsletter Reply to Harold Reheis Letter on Water Quality Issues    4.3.02 Statement Regarding the Proposed Use of the Lower Floridan Aquifer in Bryan County Letter to Federal Officials on the Issue of Isolated Wetlands Letter to Governor on Water Resource Policy Special Announcements Eugene Odum 1913 - 2002 We at the Center and innumerable others throughout the world are saddened by the recent passing of one our truly great naturalists, Eugene Odum, literally the father of the field now known as ecology. His integrative thinking about natural systems enabled many of the advancements made in environmental science and policy over the past sixty years. Odum was a remarkable man and his legacy is among the most respected of any American scientist.