Upson Environmental & Government Transparency

09/02/2026

It is not about one company and how much CO2 or emissions they add to our beautiful community .... or how much contaminant they are releasing into our waterways.... it is about how many we already have - why add more?

I encourage all residents to review the EPA's enforcement page. The link to that is here: https://echo.epa.gov/

Type in Thomaston, GA and then click SEARCH. Take a look yourself.

Educate yourself on which companies we already have are 'playing nice' and being good stewards of our community, its beauty and our health.

09/02/2026

Did the world need towels, sheets, and snake proof camo? Yes .. and while the world benefited from these items and Thomaston was booming in the era of the mills ... people were unknowingly getting sick. Today we are left with ads that circulate like this.

Did the mills put Thomaston on the map? Maybe. Are there other industries out there that cause harm to its people? Yes. This is why I fight against the BMs of the world. Do we need plastic recycled? Yes - but we - Thomaston GA - Upson County don't need this ad circulating in 50 years ... replacing the Thomaston Mills with Brightmark Plastics.

Do we need jobs? Yes but when tragedy happens - sickness occurs - loved ones are impacted - will those 200 jobs they promise make you feel any better about the impact that one company had on your family?

08/10/2026

BM "has temporarily suspended active plastics-to-fuel processing operations at the Ashley facility while the company conducts a comprehensive evaluation of its technology configuration, operational strategy, staffing model, and future development plans for the site. This operational pause is intended to allow Brightmark to assess potential technology improvements and operational alternatives that may enhance the long-term viability, compliance posture, and performance of the facility."

"BM is providing this notice so IDEM is aware of the facility’s current status and the impact that the operational pause has on Brightmark’s ability to meet the current Agreed Order timeline.

At this time, Brightmark has not made a final determination regarding the duration of the operational pause or the ultimate configuration of future operations. As the company’s evaluation progresses, Brightmark intends to submit any permit applications, permit revisions, testing plans, extension requests, or supporting documentation that may be appropriate based on the outcome of
its evaluation, future operating plans, and IDEM’s guidance.

What BM is not telling you is that for the past 5 plus years there have been many times they did not meet the current agreed order timeline.

Something tells me that this pause is more a matter of convenience than necessity (perhaps awaiting future legislative decisions regarding pyrolysis and the clean air act).

08/08/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1CVifnVF6a/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Send a message to learn more

08/03/2026

BOC Work sessions - why are they important? Simply put, the commissioners are required to conduct public business openly. They must allow citizens to observe their discussions. Commissioners are not allowed to poll other commissioners outside of properly noticed public meetings regarding their vote on decisions.
Our BOC has stepped up the level of transparency for these work session (which are held during morning hours at the Airport meeting room) and have began to record them. This is a huge win for Upson County residents. Please take the time to either attend (if you can) or view the recording for the topics presented during the work session. These work sessions are where commissioners gather information, discuss the impact to the residents and make important budgetary decisions.
This upcoming work session is no different - important topics like zoning ordinances - the budget for the Griffin Judicial Circuit (Intergovernmental Agreement) and the contract with the ambulance service can impact us greatly - if not physically - financially.
Check out your local BOC YouTube channel and catch up on what you've missed - and continue to watch the people you elected to make decisions. Not every county has this privilege of recorded meetings.... we do ... lets take advantage of it.

07/25/2026

Near the end of his article, The Ice Is Breaking: Citizen Questions, IDA Answers, and the Next Piece of the Puzzle, Doc Granger wrote: “That is not meddling. That is citizenship.”

That line made me reflect on how far we’ve come as a community. We are asking more questions, seeking real transparency, and actively paying attention to the decisions made behind the podiums and council desks. I am immensely proud of our community for stepping up to the microphone and engaging in deep, meaningful conversations about how local decisions impact all of our lives.

Whether people agree, defend, or critique, this exchange of ideas is precisely what the First Amendment is for. Real change always starts with dialogue—with honest questions and accountability.

So keep asking. Keep requesting information. Keep celebrating what is working well, and keep calling out what needs to change. A single voice might feel faint, but when we speak up together, our collective voice cannot be ignored.

07/24/2026

07/18/2026

Regulatory actions being considered that could impact your community.

Regulatory Actions associated with New Source Review (NSR) Permitting

07/18/2026

Upson County and surrounding area: this is important … protect your voice.

EPA proposed a rule to streamline the New Source Review (NSR) permitting process for minor sources by eliminating the minimum federal regulatory requirements for public participation.