Fresh Loaf

Georgia congressmen flexed some political muscle this morning in Congress in efforts to sway the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to stop releasing water from Lake Lanier. U.S. Sens. Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss introduced legislation in the Senate that would temporarily suspend the Endangered Species Act with respect to drought-stricken states. Members of Georgia’s delegation introduced the same bill in the House. The proposed legislation comes on the heels of a vocal public lashing of the Corps by politicians and business leaders in the state and metro area. If you think they’re going about it the right way — or the wrong way — get in touch with them through any of links above.

Please note this wouldn’t be a free pass on a dry day to go carpet bombing bald eagles. From the press release:

Specifically, the legislation would amend the Endangered Species Act of 1973 to allow a state to be exempt from the Act when the Secretary of the Army or a Governor declares that drought conditions are threatening the health, safety and welfare of residents in a region served by a river basin managed by the federal government.

Emphasis added, of course.

If you’re the type who loooves reading proposed legislation, click below for Isakson’s and Chambliss’ document:

U.S. Senate Bill to Freeze Endangered Species Act During Drought

And how’s that water level at Lake Lanier? Take a gander. If the number under “Buford” hits 1035, that means the lake is tapped out. Its average is 1071.

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Tags: drought, Lake Lanier, Sen.-Johnny-Isakson, Sen.-Saxby-Chambliss, U.S.-Army-Corps-of-Engineers.