The Natural Gas Association of Georgia named District 10 State Representative Victor Anderson (R-Cornelia) as its Legislator of the Year. Association members presented the award to Rep. Anderson during their annual summit in Braselton, where Anderson also served as a legislative panelist.
The Association chose Anderson for the honor because of his work on the ‘all fuels bill’ during the 2023 legislative session. Anderson was the primary sponsor of the original House Bill 438, which was eventually incorporated into House Bill 374, establishing the “Landscape Equipment and Agricultural Fairness (LEAF) Act.”
The LEAF Act prohibits cities and counties from banning or restricting gas-powered leaf blowers and appliances in favor of equipment fueled by electricity or other means.
“It was a privilege to be the primary sponsor of the original legislation to ensure Georgians can choose the best fuel source for their living spaces and their livelihoods,” said Anderson upon receiving the award. “I appreciate the association’s dedication to promoting the safe and direct use of natural gas, and I look forward to continuing to work toward a brighter future for Georgia’s energy landscape.”
HB 374 also provides guidelines and requirements for municipal deannexations and prohibits deannexations that result in the formation of unincorporated islands or non-contiguous areas within a municipality.
The state House and Senate passed the bill during the 2023 legislative session and sent it to Gov. Brian Kemp for his signature.
Anderson serves the 10th State House District, which includes all of Rabun County and most of Habersham County in Northeast Georgia.
Formed in 2015, NGA of Georgia members include natural gas providers, pipeline companies, natural gas appliance manufacturers, and marketers. The Association says its primary goal is to educate state leaders and industrial, commercial, and residential customers on the safe, direct use of natural gas.
