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Photo courtesy of Georgia Power Company

What is the Public Service Commission?

The Georgia Public Service Commission (PSC) is a group of five officials, elected statewide, that is responsible for regulating electricity, natural gas, and telecommunication utilities in the state of Georgia. The PSC makes decisions that  directly impact how much people in Georgia pay for electricity and other utilities, and determine how much fossil fuels Georgia Power burns. Every three years, the PSC votes on an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) presented by Georgia Power. Each IRP has  a 20-year forecast of energy generation and usage, including how much renewable vs. nonrenewable energy GA Power will use. During the IRP hearings, we can advocate for changes to the IRP before it is approved by the PSC. This gives us a major opportunity to make our voices heard. We can also advocate for clean healthy energy sources, rather than relying forever on dirty unhealthy fossil fuels and coal.

Why does clean energy matter? 

Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, are currently the most common energy source in the United States. Unfortunately, burning fossil fuels for energy releases dangerous pollutants into the air. It is estimated that fossil fuels cause at least 15% of all deaths in the U.S. They affect our health from before we’re born until we’re seniors. Pollution from fossil fuels causes premature birth, damages children’s lungs, and impacts mental development and I.Q. Burning fossil fuels causes lung disease, heart disease, stroke, and dementia, as well as many other chronic health conditions.

Fossil fuels are also causing the climate crisis. The same dirty fuels that create air pollution and make us sick also make greenhouse gases that cause weather disasters. Many medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Family Physicians have statements saying climate change is a dire threat to human health. The United Nations calls climate change a “Code Red for Humanity”.

We have seen the damage that comes from hurricanes and other strong storms with high winds and floods here in Georgia. These disasters bring death and destruction, and the damages are paid for by taxpayers.

learn more about how fossil fuels affect health

Speak up for clean energy!

Right now, with just 5 minutes of your time, you can take a meaningful action to advocate for clean energy for Georgians! Use our link below to send a message to the Public Service Commission and let them know why clean energy matters to you. Edit our sample message to include your own story and make your voice heard!

Tell the psc we need clean energy in georgia!

Voting in Mississippi

Are You Registered to Vote? 

Deadline to Register: Monday October 5th, 2020

In Mississippi you can register to vote by mail or in person.

Check your voter registration status here.

Are You Registered at Your Current Address?

Deadline to Check Voter Registration Status: Monday October 5th, 2020

Check your voter registration status here.

What is Your Voting Action Plan?

Vote in Person: If you vote in-person on Election Day, vote first thing in the morning. For all your voting questions, we recommend checking out https://wecanvote.us/mississippi/ for non-partisan help voting in Mississippi. 

Vote by Mail: 

In Mississippi you need a specific qualification to apply for an absentee ballot.  You can check the qualifications here. Concerns over COVID-19 are not a qualified reason to receive an absentee ballot in Mississippi. If you do have a qualified reason to vote contact your local municipal clerk’s office anytime between now and November 2nd to request your mail ballot.  The contact information for local municipal clerk’s offices can be found  here.  

Deadline to Request Absentee Ballot: Request must be received by Monday November 2nd, 2020. 

Make Sure your Absentee Ballot is Counted: After receiving your ballot, it is important to return it as soon as possible – and ideally before Thursday October 15th, 2020 to make sure it is counted.

Return Deadline: The ballot must be received at the correct elections office by Tuesday November 3rd, 2020.  

Do You Know where Your Candidates Stand on Energy and Climate Issues?

The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy has launched a series of blogs examining where various Southeastern candidates for state and federal offices stand on key energy and climate issues impacting our region.

#ActOnClimate #CleanAir