Georgia’s economy is linked to the environment, Gov. Nathan Deal said Thursday, as he presented an environmental address for Gwinnett Clean and Beautiful.

“It is important to have an environment that is clean and beautiful because that’s what people and businesses want,” Deal said, adding that companies often consider sustainability and the natural environment when choosing where to locate or expand businesses and that green jobs are helping drop the state’s unemployment rate.

“We are a state that is blessed with many things, abundant rainful, very luxurious mountains and forests and great state parks,” Deal told a crowd of more than 1,000 gathered at the Gwinnett Center. “We have a lot to be proud of about our natural beauty.”

While the nonprofit’s annual governor’s address has taken a five-year hiatus, one issue has lingered over the years: water.

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