Georgia is becoming a hub for electric vehicle production. Just don't mention climate

In Atlanta, Republican Gov. Brian Kemp stands next to a Rivian electric truck while announcing the company's plans to build a plant east of Atlanta, Dec. 16, 2021. (John Bazemore/AP)

John Bazemore / John Bazemore

A short hike from the 200-foot suspension bridge that swings across Tallulah Gorge in the north Georgia mountains, Gov. Brian Kemp plugs a long charging cord into a forest green Rivian electric pickup truck.

“The light turned green, so we’re charging,” Kemp declares to a small group of officials who cheer this inaugural charge at Tallulah Gorge State Park, one of six state parks in Georgia now installing electric vehicle chargers.

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