The Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in Georgia faces the prospect of a titanium dioxide mine near its border.

Alabama-based Twin Pines Minerals aims to mine titanium and zirconium near Trail Ridge, sparking environmental concerns about potential ecological harm to the area.

Christian Hunt, senior federal lands policy analyst for the nonprofit Defenders of Wildlife, warned mining could threaten the ecosystem and its diverse species. He said the Okefenokee also holds broader significance, playing a critical role in fighting the effects of climate change.

"It will lower the water table of the swamp, which would fundamentally change the habitat for all sorts of species," Hunt pointed out. "If mining is to occur, periods of drought will be worsened in the swamp, exposing it to catastrophic fires."

Georgia's Environmental Protection Division granted draft permits to the mining company in February, allowing it to establish an 820-acre mine within a three-mile radius of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Defenders of Wildlife is among about 40 groups in a new Okefenokee Protection Alliance, bringing together thousands of voices against the project.

Ben Prater, Southeast program director for Defenders of Wildlife, said projects like this are often justified for national security or technological advancement. But he noted the potential harm to the Okefenokee outweighs the value of the minerals extracted.

"It's important to know that this mine is going after titanium dioxide, which is nothing more than a pigment we use to make our paint white, make our toothpaste white," Prater asserted. "It's in no way something that's so vital that we have to obtain that we put a world-class treasure like the Okefenokee at risk. "

Prater highlighted the uphill battle to safeguard the Okefenokee, citing the loss of crucial federal protections. He stressed it is more than opposition to the proposed mine and called for longer-term solutions.

"This is just the latest iteration of a threat that's been against the Okefenokee for decades," Prater contended. "What we're seeking and hoping to see is a permanent solution, encouraging the federal government to assert its reserved water rights to protect the integrity of the refuge."

The public comment period is set to close April 9. Defenders of Wildlife has added a link to its website so people can directly submit comments to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.

Florida environmental advocates are concerned about the future after President-elect Donald Trump named former New York Congressman Lee Zeldin to lead the Environmental Protection Agency.

Announcing Zeldin's selection, Trump said Zeldin would "ensure fair and swift deregulatory decisions that will be enacted in a way to unleash the power of American businesses." Known for his loyalty to Trump and strong deregulation, Zeldin's appointment has left Florida's environmental defenders worried about potential rollbacks in air, water and public lands protections.

Eric Draper, an environmental consultant and former director of the Florida Park Service, explained what could be in store.

"What we know about the Trump administration is that they are going to move quickly in the direction of more fossil-fuel production," Draper pointed out. "So, more oil and gas drilling on public lands and possibly off our coast."

For Zeldin, the new role aligns with his long-standing belief in strengthening U.S. energy independence as he said he will "seek to ensure that the United States is able to pursue energy dominance ... bring back American jobs to the auto industry and so much more."

Draper is especially worried about the possible effects on public lands in Florida, including the Everglades, a national treasure facing ongoing threats from climate change and development pressures, including oil drilling.

Zeldin, a longtime advocate for energy and economic policies aligning with Trump's vision, has reassured supporters his goal is to create a pro-growth regulatory environment while ensuring environmental protections remain intact.

Draper believes strong environmental regulations and a healthy economy can coexist.

"The problem is that there are too many industries that are dirty industries, that use that idea of jobs and economic growth to clean the air and water," Draper contended. "It's time that we stopped believing that."

As Zeldin prepares to take the reins at the EPA, Florida's environmental community is bracing for a significant shift in environmental policy, particularly in energy production and land use.


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The hills and hollers of Virginia are no strangers to hardship, but few were prepared for the devastation Hurricane Helene would bring.

Six weeks after the storm tore through Appalachian communities, some survivors face a daunting road to recovery. Roads and bridges were washed out, homes were destroyed and many residents were cut off, relying on one another to make it through.

Emily Satterwhite, professor and director of the Appalachian Studies program at Virginia Tech University, has worked closely with local aid groups since the disaster struck.

"People are trying to figure out whether or how to rebuild along the New River," Satterwhite observed. "They're hearing from FEMA that their house is considered totaled and they can either be bought out and move or they can rebuild from scratch, but that FEMA won't provide funds to remodel because the house is considered a total loss."

Satterwhite is involved with the mutual-aid initiative Holler 2 Holler, which began in response to severe flooding in Kentucky in 2022 and has taken on a crucial role in the current crisis. She is also part of Monuments Across Appalachian Virginia, a network helping her to assess community needs across the region to help provide targeted aid.

In addition to the large federal response to help affected areas, Satterwhite highlighted the unique ties Appalachian people have to their land and each other, a social fabric that becomes a lifeline in times of crisis.

"These kinds of ad hoc networks that are customary in Appalachia, but they're generally much more local," Satterwhite explained. "We're seeing those same kinds of networks, but broadened out to figure out how to expand neighbors, helping neighbors, or holler to holler on a regional level."

Satterwhite describes the impact as "catastrophic" in parts of Southwest Virginia, Upper East Tennessee and Western North Carolina. She emphasized recovery will be a "really long haul" and stressed the assistance needed transcends politics, regardless of reactions following the presidential election.

Currently, Satterwhite noted while groups have enough small items, they are still accepting donations for big-ticket needs such as solar generators. She suggested following the social media pages of relief organizations to stay updated on specific needs.


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A Knoxville environmental group is raising concerns about a new uranium enrichment facility slated to be operated in Oak Ridge.

Unlike past sites operated by the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration, the 750,000 square-foot facility, creating more than 300 jobs, will be run by the private company Orano.

Tanvi Kardile, coordinator of the Oak Ridge Environmental Peace Alliance, said they are concerned about who will oversee safety regulations and environmental laws, as the government traditionally handled the responsibilities, including conducting environmental analyses and reports for large projects.

"How do lawsuits arise against private companies?" Kardile questioned. "There's kind of this different method of enforcement that's going to be operated and we are unsure about that, and I feel like the public should also be concerned about that, especially because all these facilities have such a direct impact on public health."

Kardile pointed out her group is already concerned with the ongoing risks tied to enriching uranium and other activities at the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. The uranium processing facility is estimated to cost $10.3 billion and is set to be complete in 2027. Initially, the project was expected to cost $6.5 billion and finish by 2025.

Kardile highlighted uranium poses significant radiation risks, and with multiple projects in Oak Ridge involving uranium, it would exacerbate existing concerns. Additionally, she noted besides the health risks, there is a substantial taxpayer burden with this new project.

"Taxpayer dollars has always been a big concern with all these projects," Kardile stressed. "This one is one of the biggest investments in Tennessee history, and it's a multi-billion-dollar facility, that comes with a taxpayer burden. Historically, all these nuclear sites have been delayed. Then comes cost overruns."

Kardile emphasized the importance of Tennesseans collaborating with lawmakers to find the best path to allocate their tax dollars and protect public health.