The Institute's Environmental Policy Program conducts policy research on environmental and natural resource issues facing Georgia and provides technical support and training/educational programs for Georgia government officials.

Current program highlights:

• Statewide water management planning
  • Comprehensive Statewide Water Management Plan
  • Joint Comprehensive Water Plan Study Committee and Water Plan Advisory Committee
• Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Plan
• Multistate Regional Water Planning
• Open Space Analysis
• Wildland-Urban Interface Assessment

The research efforts of the Environmental Policy Program focus on two types of studies:

• Public policy research reports on environmental and natural resource issues facing Georgia
• Documents for local government officials providing guidance relating to specific environmental issues, programs, and/or requirements

Technical Assistance and Outreach
The Environmental Policy Program has worked with governmental officials in Georgia and elsewhere to address environmental issues and concerns in effective ways. In Georgia, the program works with the General Assembly, state agencies, Association County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG), Georgia Municipal Association (GMA), and stakeholder groups on environmental policy matters.

Training and Education
Faculty and professional staff of the Environmental Policy Program have developed and offer a training program for city and county officials on environmental management. The course, part of the training program offered by ACCG and GMA in cooperation with the Institute, is designed to provide local government officials with an understanding of the environmental challenges they face, the legal requirements set for federal and state environmental laws, and options they have for addressing environmental concerns within their communities.