Supporters of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge are taking another crack at protecting the environmentally fragile swamp from mining.
Two bills introduced in the Georgia House call for prohibiting mining along Trail Ridge, the Okefenokee’s eastern hydrologic boundary, where Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals is seeking state permits to open a titanium mine. One bill would place a five-year moratorium on mining, while the other would prohibit future mining altogether.
While legislation regarding the refuge has gained support in the past, none have passed both chambers.
