PSC Tim Echols Speaks at Union County Republican Party November Meeting

Two highly controversial topics – potential impact of the EPA’s Clean Air Act  and EPA waterway regulations – were addressed by Tim Echols at the Union County Republican Party Nov. 21 meeting held at the Suches Community Center.  As Public Service Commissioner (PSC) for District 2, Tim Echols came well-prepared to address each topic as well as respond to questions from attendees.

“We look forward to this meeting in Suches each year! Dena Gooch, Suches Precinct Chairperson, does such a great job in putting it all together!” said Dale Allison, Party Chairperson. “To complement her work, we invited Tim Echols to be our guest speaker.  We know Union County citizens have serious concerns and want to know more about these regulations.

To kick off the meeting, Allison asked everyone to sing the National Anthem and then to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. These two activities were followed by an invocation.

When Echols stepped up to the podium, he quickly noted the proposed EPA Clean Air Act will significantly impact not only the operation of Georgia’s power plants; but also our electrical systems nationally. Specifically, he said, “In Georgia, we have made great progress in reducing carbon without a greenhouse gas rule from the EPA. I’m asking the EPA to slow down and give utilities a chance to retire coal plants at the end of their useful life, so we can be better stewards of the ratepayers’ money.”

In addressing proposed EPA waterway regulations designed to keep our nation’s prized waterways clean and safe, Echols said, “On the surface, these waterway regulations promise to protect important wetlands, headwaters and other water bodies.  The danger is they could make these areas subject to federal water quality standards requiring permits for any activity that would change or harm them. This would possibly expand federal control over private property.  Obviously, private landowners oppose this.  I do, too, and will aggressively fight it in Georgia.”

Following Echol’s speech, attendees were given an opportunity to ask questions then everyone was invited to enjoy refreshments provided by Suches residents for the meeting.

The Dec. UCGOP meeting will be a Christmas Party at Steve’s Steakhouse on Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6:30 p.m. Everyone is invited!

Article submitted by Cherie C. Martin