Page 20 - Georgia Forestry - Issue 4 - Fall 2022

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I will work to protect them and this critical industry. One of the first moves I will make is loosening the power of the federal government at large and [working] to reduce overly burdensome EPA regulations.
BRIAN KEMP
Republican for Governor (Incumbent)
With more than 22 million acres of private forests across Georgia, the forestry industry is vital to the economy of our state. Forestry supports more than 140,000 jobs across our great state, and it is critical that state leaders continue to enact policies and safeguard an environment where the industry
can continue to grow and thrive here. Georgia is known as a leader in forestry; and as a timber owner, proud member of the Georgia Forestry Association and Georgia’s 83rd Governor, I am determined to help keep it that way.
Over the past four years, my administration has taken action to
put the priorities of this association at the forefront of my legislative agenda. I’m proud to have signed numerous pieces of legislation into law that will help the forestry sector grow and prosper for years to come, including bills that helped advance mass timber construction, addressed outdated laws
on timberland transactions, improved qualified timberland property rules and established a sustainable development carbon registry.
We have also faced unprecedented challenges that affected our supply chain and threatened the industry.
We know people in our state, across
the country and around the world depend on Georgia forestry; so in the midst of a global pandemic and other challenges, I took action through executive powers to ease supply chain constraints and ensure the industry could continue to operate with a sense of normalcy. Georgia’s forestry industry is invaluable. If I am honored to serve
a second term as Georgia’s governor, I will continue to fight for pro-business and pro-forestry policies that keep
the industry strong, and I will work alongside state, local and private sector leaders to ensure the best days for Georgia forestry lie ahead.
STACEY ABRAMS
Democrat for Governor
When responsibly managed, working forests help provide a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels. We must build and preserve an environment in our state that recognizes how vital clean
air and water are to our lives and our economy, that anticipates the increase
RAPHAEL WARNOCK
Democrat for U.S. Senate (Incumbent)
As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I understand the importance of the forestry sector to Georgia and our nation. The forestry industry is central to Georgia’s economy and environment, supporting critical jobs in rural communities, and preserving wildlife habitats and the climate across the state.
During my first year in office, I partnered with Senator Bill Cassidy to introduce the Disaster Reforestation Act to help forest landowners recover after natural disasters. The bipartisan legislation will ensure our forest landowners have the tools they need
to recover when natural disasters strike. I will continue to advocate for the forestry sector and will push for investments in infrastructure to combat climate change.
HERSCHEL WALKER
Republican for U.S. Senate
With Georgia’s #1 industry being agriculture, it is critical to work on behalf of Georgia’s forestry in the Senate. It is not only important to the agricultural community and environment at large, but it’s important for our economy.
Right now, we have a Senator who votes over 96% of the time with President Biden and has caused prices and inflation to skyrocket. I’ve seen firsthand how this [affects] the farmers and foresters in this great state and
18 | GEORGIA FORESTRY
VOTE
YES
SUPPORT MANAGED FORESTS
Vote ‘YES’ on Referendum A this November!
On the November General Election Ballot, Georgia voters will have the opportunity to support an
ad valorem tax exemption for equipment used in reforestation, harvesting and production —
a benefit extended to the owners of agriculture/ farm equipment for decades.
LEARN MORE about this exemption and the much-needed relief it will provide to this critical sector. www.letsgrowgeorgia.org