Alander Rocha
@alander.bsky.social
I write about Georgia policy and politics for @georgiarecorder.com / Tulane, UGA alum / dogcatdad / Got a tip? [email protected] or alander.01 on Signal
Reposted by Alander Rocha
NEW from @alander.bsky.social: Clean energy advocate Patty Durand, who was accused of stealing a booklet labeled as containing “trade secrets” during an energy regulatory hearing, will not be indicted after the Fulton County District Attorney’s office formally declined to prosecute the case.
Fulton County DA will not prosecute advocate accused of stealing Georgia Power’s ‘trade secrets’ • Georgia Recorder
Clean energy advocate Patty Durand will not be prosecuted for alleged stealing a Georgia Power' booklet containing trade secrets.
georgiarecorder.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:53 PM
NEW from @alander.bsky.social: Clean energy advocate Patty Durand, who was accused of stealing a booklet labeled as containing “trade secrets” during an energy regulatory hearing, will not be indicted after the Fulton County District Attorney’s office formally declined to prosecute the case.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
A surge in data center development has turned Georgia into a national hotspot while raising fresh concerns about the state’s energy landscape and natural resources.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Outrage over surge of data centers in Georgia inspires wave of bipartisan bills • Georgia Recorder
Georgia lawmakers are expected to consider data center legislation this session to address the industry's power demands and their impact on utility costs.
georgiarecorder.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:03 PM
A surge in data center development has turned Georgia into a national hotspot while raising fresh concerns about the state’s energy landscape and natural resources.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Georgia’s Gold Dome is humming with talk of affordability, though ideas for tackling it vary.
New from @mayahoman.bsky.social + @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
New from @mayahoman.bsky.social + @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
2026 Legislative session kicks off with discussions on affordability • Georgia Recorder
The hallowed halls of Georgia’s state Capitol were abuzz Monday as lawmakers, lobbyists and everyday citizens flocked to the Gold Dome for the start of the 2026 legislative session.
georgiarecorder.com
January 13, 2026 at 1:57 PM
Georgia’s Gold Dome is humming with talk of affordability, though ideas for tackling it vary.
New from @mayahoman.bsky.social + @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
New from @mayahoman.bsky.social + @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Georgia GOP Senate leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday that would entirely eliminate the personal state income tax by 2032, shortly before House Speaker Jon Burns said the House would focus on cutting property taxes.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
Legislative leaders float different visions for tax relief for the 2026 session • Georgia Recorder
Georgia Republican leaders are pushing for tax cuts in the upcoming 2026 session despite the House and Senate disagreeing on which taxes to tackle.
georgiarecorder.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:56 PM
Georgia GOP Senate leaders unveiled a plan Wednesday that would entirely eliminate the personal state income tax by 2032, shortly before House Speaker Jon Burns said the House would focus on cutting property taxes.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
“Somebody needs to be watching to see what the impact is going to be overall. How many of these things can Georgia safely support? And if nobody’s looking at that, then we could end up being in a lot of trouble,” said Twiggs County resident Nancy Lubeck.
The situation in Twiggs County, which is home to about 8,000 people, highlights the different approaches local governments in Georgia are taking to manage a surge in data center proposals with little guidance or regulation at the state level.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Data center ‘gold rush’ pits local officials’ hunt for new revenue against residents’ concerns • Georgia Recorder
Without state regulations to guide them, Georgia counties are taking vastly different approaches to managing the surge in data center proposals.
georgiarecorder.com
January 7, 2026 at 2:38 PM
“Somebody needs to be watching to see what the impact is going to be overall. How many of these things can Georgia safely support? And if nobody’s looking at that, then we could end up being in a lot of trouble,” said Twiggs County resident Nancy Lubeck.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
A state legislative committee is recommending expanded loan forgiveness for doctors and increased funding for mobile screening units to combat a severe shortage of cancer care providers in rural Georgia.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Georgia legislative panel recommends mobile units, student loan aid for rural cancer care • Georgia Recorder
To address rural Georgia's shortage of cancer care providers, a committee recommends expanding doctor loan forgiveness and funding mobile screening units.
georgiarecorder.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:52 PM
A state legislative committee is recommending expanded loan forgiveness for doctors and increased funding for mobile screening units to combat a severe shortage of cancer care providers in rural Georgia.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Georgia regulators unanimously approved a massive expansion of the state’s power grid Friday, approving Georgia Power’s request for nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy capacity despite concerns over transparency and the potential financial risk to ratepayers.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Georgia regulators approve massive power grid expansion to serve data centers • Georgia Recorder
Opponents of the power expansion criticized commissioners for potentially failing to protect customers from the cost of building power for data centers.
georgiarecorder.com
December 20, 2025 at 1:37 PM
Georgia regulators unanimously approved a massive expansion of the state’s power grid Friday, approving Georgia Power’s request for nearly 10,000 megawatts of new energy capacity despite concerns over transparency and the potential financial risk to ratepayers.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
The Georgia Public Service Commission hearing room is packed ahead of the vote on Georgia Power's request to add 10 gigawatts of power to the power grid.
December 19, 2025 at 2:33 PM
The Georgia Public Service Commission hearing room is packed ahead of the vote on Georgia Power's request to add 10 gigawatts of power to the power grid.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
State regulators are set to vote Friday on a massive energy capacity request from Georgia Power that proponents say protects ratepayers but environmental and consumer groups warn relies on uncertain data center demand, which critics say could cost customers billions.
Georgia Power’s plan for powering data centers is up for a final vote Friday • Georgia Recorder
The Public Service Commission staff and Georgia Power recently struck a deal greenlighting the utility full request under specific conditions.
georgiarecorder.com
December 19, 2025 at 1:27 PM
State regulators are set to vote Friday on a massive energy capacity request from Georgia Power that proponents say protects ratepayers but environmental and consumer groups warn relies on uncertain data center demand, which critics say could cost customers billions.
Protest erupted this morning as Georgia Public Service Commission hearings began with opposition to Georgia Power's huge energy buildout request. Several people protesting the upcoming commission vote, were kicked out before the hearing officially started. #gapolitics
December 10, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Protest erupted this morning as Georgia Public Service Commission hearings began with opposition to Georgia Power's huge energy buildout request. Several people protesting the upcoming commission vote, were kicked out before the hearing officially started. #gapolitics
Reposted by Alander Rocha
It's Giving Tuesday! We're grateful for the support you've shown the Recorder this year. Help us continue to deliver independent, nonpartisan, ad-free journalism in 2026.
The Recorder staff: @alander.bsky.social + @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social
The Recorder staff: @alander.bsky.social + @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social
December 2, 2025 at 5:09 PM
It's Giving Tuesday! We're grateful for the support you've shown the Recorder this year. Help us continue to deliver independent, nonpartisan, ad-free journalism in 2026.
The Recorder staff: @alander.bsky.social + @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social
The Recorder staff: @alander.bsky.social + @mayahoman.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social + @jillnolin.bsky.social
Reposted by Alander Rocha
A massive data center project backed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and his family could be coming to Butts County, but many of the project’s details are still unknown.
Story by @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
Massive Burt Jones-backed project among wave of data centers proposed for Georgia • Georgia Recorder
A massive data center project backed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and his family could be coming to Butts County, but many of the project’s details are still unknown.
georgiarecorder.com
December 1, 2025 at 4:15 PM
A massive data center project backed by Lt. Gov. Burt Jones and his family could be coming to Butts County, but many of the project’s details are still unknown.
Story by @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social + @journalistross.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message.
Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene says she will resign in January • Georgia Recorder
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message. Greene, who was first elected in Georgia’s ...
georgiarecorder.com
November 22, 2025 at 2:07 AM
U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, a Rome Republican, announced her plans to resign from Congress Friday evening in an unexpected video message.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: Emboldened by statewide wins, Democrats see chance to compete in northeast Georgia House district
Emboldened by statewide wins, Democrats see chance to compete in northeast Georgia House district • Georgia Recorder
A Democratic challenger focused on health care and housing and a local Republican business owner have officially qualified to compete in a special election to fill a vacant House seat in northeast Geo...
georgiarecorder.com
November 12, 2025 at 8:41 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: Emboldened by statewide wins, Democrats see chance to compete in northeast Georgia House district
Reposted by Alander Rocha
The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats flip two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission • Georgia Recorder
Democrats have flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, which is currently an all-GOP panel. The PSC regulates Georgia utilities.
georgiarecorder.com
November 5, 2025 at 3:32 PM
The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Via @alander.bsky.social and @georgiarecorder.com: The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Democrats flip two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission | Alabama Reflector
Democrats have flipped two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission, which is currently an all-GOP panel. The PSC regulates Georgia utilities.
alabamareflector.com
November 5, 2025 at 4:14 PM
Via @alander.bsky.social and @georgiarecorder.com: The double victory marks the first time the Democratic Party has won a statewide constitutional office in Georgia since 2006 and reshapes the political landscape ahead of the pivotal 2026 midterm elections.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
“It’s really just to make my voice heard,” said one Cherokee County voter Tuesday. “It’s been a disappointing year so far with how the nation’s been going, so I wanted to get my voice out there.”
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Voter snapshot: Residents of Cherokee County have their say on Georgia PSC races • Georgia Recorder
It’s election day in Georgia for two Public Service Commission seats, and voters are making their voices heard over who should sit on a board that helps determine Georgia’s energy policy and the rates...
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 7:22 PM
“It’s really just to make my voice heard,” said one Cherokee County voter Tuesday. “It’s been a disappointing year so far with how the nation’s been going, so I wanted to get my voice out there.”
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Story by @journalistross.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
President Trump has backtracked on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the shutdown, posting on social media that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”
A defiant Trump vows no SNAP payments until Democrats cave on shutdown • Georgia Recorder
President Donald Trump backtracked Tuesday on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the government shutdown, posting on social media that be...
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 8:19 PM
President Trump has backtracked on a pledge by his administration in court filings to partially fund November food assistance during the shutdown, posting on social media that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government, which they can easily do, and not before!”
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
Drawn to the polls by local issues, Atlanta voters could influence statewide Georgia utility races • Georgia Recorder
Atlanta voters prioritized local issues over statewide races, yet their turnout could still lead to a Georgia Democrat victory in a statewide office.
georgiarecorder.com
November 4, 2025 at 9:55 PM
Voters at a south Atlanta polling place cited local issues like infrastructure and City Council accountability as top concerns Tuesday. Two statewide races for the Georgia Public Service Commission were often an afterthought.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
New from @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: Campaigning for two contested seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission has intensified during the early voting period, turning a relatively quiet election cycle into a partisan fight over utility rates and energy policy.
Battle for two seats on Georgia regulatory body heats up as campaigns enter homestretch • Georgia Recorder
Campaigning for two seats on the Public Service Commission has intensified as Republicans fear an upset due to low voter turnout in an off-year election.
georgiarecorder.com
November 3, 2025 at 2:15 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: Campaigning for two contested seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission has intensified during the early voting period, turning a relatively quiet election cycle into a partisan fight over utility rates and energy policy.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
Georgia Democrats are urging Gov. Brian Kemp to help fund the state's SNAP program during the federal government shutdown. Story from @mayahoman.bsky.social and @alander.bsky.social.
Georgia Democrats call on Kemp to fund SNAP with state reserves • Georgia Recorder
The latest clash stemming from the federal shutdown centers on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps.
georgiarecorder.com
October 28, 2025 at 3:26 PM
Georgia Democrats are urging Gov. Brian Kemp to help fund the state's SNAP program during the federal government shutdown. Story from @mayahoman.bsky.social and @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
As many as 1.4 million Georgians who rely on federal food assistance could face the abrupt loss of benefits starting Nov. 1 if the government shutdown has not ended, reports @alander.bsky.social.
Federal food aid for over one million Georgians to stop Nov. 1 because of shutdown • Georgia Recorder
The federal government informed Georgia that it lacks funds for November SNAP food benefits for one in 10 state residents.
georgiarecorder.com
October 27, 2025 at 6:27 PM
As many as 1.4 million Georgians who rely on federal food assistance could face the abrupt loss of benefits starting Nov. 1 if the government shutdown has not ended, reports @alander.bsky.social.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
New from @alander.bsky.social: A coalition of environmental organizations delivered more than 24,000 petition signatures and nearly 300 pieces of artwork from children to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office Thursday, urging him to permanently protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Fans of Okefenokee Swamp call on Kemp to support permanent land protections after mining scare • Georgia Recorder
Okefenokee advocates delivered over 24,000 signatures and children's art to Governor Kemp, urging him to back legislation banning mining on Trail Ridge.
georgiarecorder.com
October 24, 2025 at 2:05 PM
New from @alander.bsky.social: A coalition of environmental organizations delivered more than 24,000 petition signatures and nearly 300 pieces of artwork from children to Gov. Brian Kemp’s office Thursday, urging him to permanently protect the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge.
Reposted by Alander Rocha
The alleged theft happened at a time when a perceived lack of transparency in the PSC’s dealings with Georgia Power has been scrutinized more intensely.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Prominent clean energy advocate accused of stealing Georgia Power ‘trade secrets’ at public meeting • Georgia Recorder
Clean energy advocate Patty Durand was arrested for allegedly stealing a Georgia Power document containing trade secrets during a PSC meeting.
georgiarecorder.com
October 23, 2025 at 12:53 PM
The alleged theft happened at a time when a perceived lack of transparency in the PSC’s dealings with Georgia Power has been scrutinized more intensely.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.
Story by @alander.bsky.social.