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Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee to Hold Third Meeting

ATLANTA (October 22, 2024) — On Tuesday, October 29th,2024, at 11:00 a.m., the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, chaired by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will hold its third hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, October 29, 2024
  • Time: 11:00 a.m.
  • Location: Delta Airlines Headquarters – 1030 Delta Blvd, Hapeville, GA 30354
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here. Please note that there is a link to RSVP to the meeting pursuant to Delta’s security policies. We ask that all guests and staff planning to attend fill out this attendance questionnaire and bring a Photo ID to the meeting.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee examines how public policy can encourage investment in facilities that create sustainable manufacturing components, practices, and energy derived from Georgia-grown products.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov. 

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy – An Update on Our Interim Committee Work

ATLANTA (October 8, 2024)— We’ve moved forward in our efforts to strengthen Georgia’s forestry industry with our second meeting of the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee at the Georgia State Capitol. Building on the groundwork established in our initial meeting, where we identified key challenges facing the sector, we are now focused on exploring solutions and emerging markets that have the potential to revitalize our state’s forestry landscape

Unfortunately, the timing of our meeting coincided with the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, which brought significant hardship to many regions of our state, including those heavily reliant on the forestry industry. Our thoughts remain with all those affected, and we will continue to support our impacted communities and first responders in the days ahead.

At this meeting, we shifted our focus from problems to possibilities. The shrinking markets for traditional forestry products that we discussed in our first meeting are not the whole story—there are emerging markets and new technologies that could represent the future of Georgia’s forestry industry. As chair of this committee, I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of experts to explore these opportunities, and the insights they shared during our meeting were nothing short of inspiring.

We first heard from Dr. Andreas Bommarius and Dr. Carson Meredith from the Renewable Bioproducts Institute (RBI) at Georgia Tech, who introduced us to their groundbreaking ReWOOD initiative. This project focuses on “Xylochemistry,” a rapidly growing field that uses sustainable wood-based materials to develop products ranging from industrial solvents to jet fuel. What’s particularly exciting about ReWOOD is its potential to create new demand for Georgia’s vast forestry resources in environmentally sustainable and economically viable ways.

Next, we welcomed Troy Harris of Jamestown LLP, a real estate investment firm with a strong track record in sustainable timberland management. He spoke about Jamestown’s use of innovative practices to boost timberland productivity while ensuring sustainable growth. These practices not only increase the value of timber but also ensure the long-term health and resilience of our forests—an important consideration given the growing threat of natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.

Finally, Smitha Hariharan, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer of Gulfstream, shared the company’s cutting-edge work in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Gulfstream recently made history with the first-ever trans-Atlantic flight powered by 100% SAF, a major breakthrough that could have significant implications for Georgia’s forestry industry. As demand for SAF grows worldwide, Georgia’s timber could become a key resource in meeting that demand, creating jobs and driving investment in rural communities across the state.

Our meeting made it clear that the future of forestry in Georgia lies in traditional markets and these emerging fields. Exciting opportunities are on the horizon, whether it’s sustainable aviation fuel, wood-based construction materials or innovative new uses for timber byproducts. With Georgia being the #1 state to do business and the #1 forestry producing state in the country, I believe our state is uniquely positioned to lead on this emerging market.

As we continue to work through the challenges and opportunities ahead, I am grateful for the valuable contributions of the experts and industry leaders helping us explore these new possibilities. I’m confident that by embracing innovation and working together, we can create a more sustainable and prosperous future for Georgia’s forestry industry. I look forward to sharing more updates as our committee’s work progresses.

You can find more information about the committee’s work and upcoming meetings here.

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

For all media inquiries, please reach out to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee to Hold Second Meeting

ATLANTA (September 23, 2024) — On Monday, September 30,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, chaired by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will hold its second hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Monday, September 30, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: 450 State Capitol, 206 Washington St SW, Atlanta, GA, 30334
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee examines how public policy can encourage investment in facilities that create sustainable manufacturing components, practices, and energy derived from Georgia-grown products.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at senatepressinquiries@senate.ga.gov. 

# # # #

Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

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President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy – Interim Committee Work

ATLANTA (August 19, 2024) — As summer transitions into fall, the Georgia Senate continues its critical work on issues that will shape the future of our state. On Tuesday, August 13, I had the privilege of chairing the first Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee meeting—dedicated to exploring how Georgia can continue to stand at the forefront of the nation’s forestry sector.

At our first meeting at the Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters, we laid the groundwork for the important work ahead. Our committee is dedicated to addressing the pressing issues facing Georgia forestry, especially the shrinking markets for forestry products. Many families in our state rely on forestry and forestland investments, not just for their daily lives but also to achieve their dreams—whether it’s owning a home, educating their children, securing a comfortable retirement or maintaining a good standard of living. The challenges we face impact landowners, businesses and communities throughout Georgia and we must work together to find solutions.

At the heart of our discussions was the need to innovate and adapt in the face of these challenges. Georgia’s forestry industry has long been a cornerstone of our economy, and our committee is committed to ensuring that it remains so by exploring new technologies, sustainable practices and emerging markets. We’re not just aiming to hold our ground, but to grow and lead in new directions that will keep Georgia at the forefront of the industry on a global scale.

Our speakers emphasized the importance of advocating for our state’s 22 million acres of working forests and the need to protect the private property rights of forest landowners. Their perspective highlighted the industry’s significant role in our state’s economy and the importance of creating a favorable business environment for its producers. These foundational presentations gave us a comprehensive understanding of the current state of Georgia’s forestry sector, helping to identify the strengths that have made us a national leader and the obstacles that could hinder future progress.

The work of this committee is about more than just economic growth; it’s about ensuring the future viability of an industry that supports countless families and communities across Georgia. As we look ahead, the potential for Georgia to shape the future of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is particularly exciting. With global demand for SAF on the rise, Georgia’s vast forest resources present a unique opportunity to pioneer advancements in this field. By harnessing innovative approaches from around the world—like those I witnessed firsthand at a groundbreaking SAF conversion plant in Bordeaux, France—we have the chance to create solutions that fuel our economy and set a new standard for environmental responsibility.

A key aspect of our discussions included learning about the environmental benefits of working forests. These forests contribute to our economy and play a crucial role in maintaining environmental health by sequestering carbon, supporting biodiversity and preserving water quality. Understanding these benefits will be central to our efforts to promote sustainable practices within the industry.

This committee will delve deeper into these issues throughout the coming months, hearing from various experts, industry leaders and community stakeholders. The recommendations emerging from our discussions are intended to guide the state in leveraging its vast forest resources in economically beneficial and environmentally responsible ways. I’m honored to lead this committee and look forward to the progress we will make together. Thank you for your continued support and trust as we work to secure a vibrant and sustainable future for Georgia’s forestry industry.

You can find more information about the committee’s work and upcoming meetings here.

*Attached is a photo for your use.*

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Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.

Please direct all media inquiries to SenatePressInquiries@senate.ga.gov.

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Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee to Hold First Meeting

ATLANTA (August 7, 2024) — On Tuesday, August 13,2024, at 10:00 a.m., the Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee, chaired by President Pro Tempore John F. Kennedy (R–Macon), will hold its first hearing.

EVENT DETAILS:                      

  • Date: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
  • Time: 10:00 a.m.
  • Location: Georgia Forestry Association Headquarters, 551 North Frontage Road, Forsyth, GA 31029
  • This event is open to the public and will be live-streamed on the Georgia General Assembly website here.

ABOUT THE MEETING:         

The Senate Advancing Forest Innovation in Georgia Study Committee will examine how public policy can encourage investment in facilities that create sustainable manufacturing components, practices, and energy derived from Georgia-grown products. The first meeting of this committee will include a market overview and discussion of challenges currently facing the forestry industry in our state.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:

We kindly request that members of the media confirm their attendance in advance by contacting Jantz Womack at senatepressinquiries@senate.ga.gov.  

# # # #

Sen. John F. Kennedy serves as the President Pro Tempore of the Georgia State Senate. He represents the 18th Senate District which includes Upson, Monroe, Peach, Crawford, as well as portions of Bibb and Houston County. He may be reached at 404.656.6578 or by email at john.kennedy@senate.ga.gov.