SB 174 Alabama Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Natural resources; conversion of oil and gas wells into alternative energy facilities authorized; lease of state lands for energy sources by Commissioner of Conservation expanded

SB 174 authorizes the conversion of existing oil and gas wells into alternative energy facilities (like geothermal or hydrogen production) and expands the commissioner of conservation's authority to lease state lands for various energy projects. It directly affects energy developers seeking to repurpose wells or use state lands for new energy infrastructure. Key provisions include allowing well conversions without requiring new permits and enabling the commissioner to lease public lands for energy development under specific conditions. The bill explicitly states it does not change existing conservation laws (Title 37 of Alabama Code) or apply to federally licensed hydropower projects.

Issues: ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Apr 2026

Senate Passage

Feb 2026

House Passage

Apr 2026

Signed into Law

Apr 2026

Introduced Jan 20, 2026 Signed Apr 16, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed → Enrolled · 3 edits · Apr 16, 2026

MINOR

The bill was finalized as an enrolled version, correcting a typo in the bill number and reformatting the text for the official record. Substantively, the definition of 'Alternative Energy Resources' was expanded to explicitly exclude the heating and cooling capacity used by on-site heat pumps, clarifying that such residential systems are not subject to this bill's regulations. Additionally, a new requirement was added mandating that operators seeking approval for facilities within 10 miles of a coal mine must obtain written consent from the coal mine operator and mineral owner.

Scope change

The bill's scope was narrowed by explicitly excluding on-site heat pump systems from the definition of regulated alternative energy resources.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Alternative Energy Resources' was updated to clarify that it does not include the heating and cooling capacity of the earth used for on-site heat pumps or similar systems.

REQUIREMENT

A new requirement was added stating that operators must obtain written consent from coal mine operators and mineral owners if the facility is located within a 10-mile radius of a coal mine operation.

TECHNICAL

The bill number was corrected from '3P7GFZV-2' to 'I3DGF66-2' to reflect the final enrolled version.

Floor votes

How they voted

This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Amendments

Apr 9, 2026

Lower · Passed

Paramore Motion to Concur In and Adopt Conference Committee Report - Adopted Roll Call 1348

lower

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Albritton motion to Concur In and Adopt Conference Committee Report - Adopted Roll Call 1257

upper

Apr 8, 2026

Upper · Passed

Senate Concurs in Conference Committee Report

upper

Apr 7, 2026

Lower · Passed

In Conference Committee

lower

Apr 7, 2026

Upper · Passed

Gudger motion to Non-Concur and Appoint Conference Committee - Adopted Roll Call 1129

upper

Apr 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 1171

lower

Apr 2, 2026

Lower · Passed

Motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 1170

lower

Apr 2, 2026

Introduced

Hammett 1st Amendment Offered

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Reported Out of Committee Second House

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Lower · Passed

Pending Committee Action in Second House (State Government)

lower

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended - Adopted Roll Call 228

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Upper · Passed

Woods motion to Adopt - Adopted Roll Call 227

upper

Feb 3, 2026

Introduced

Woods 1st Amendment Offered

upper

Jan 22, 2026

Upper · Passed

Reported Out of Committee House of Origin

upper

Jan 20, 2026

Upper · Passed

Pending Committee Action in House of Origin (Transportation and Energy)

upper

1 primary · 0 co-sponsors