Environment (Conservation) in Alabama

in committee · Alabama · House Mar 5, 2026

HB 578: Mobile County; certain boards of water and sewer commissioners required to convey conservation easements on certain real property

This bill requires certain Mobile County water and sewer commissioners to transfer conservation easements on over 100 specific real property parcels to qualified conservation organizations by October 1, 2027. The easements must be conveyed to charitable entities that protect natural resources, agricultural land, or historical features, while excluding certain areas like road rights of way. The legislation defines conservation easement holders as organizations dedicated to preserving open space, environmental quality, or cultural assets, and applies to boards established under existing state law.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 12, 2026

HB 428: Underground wells; carbon dioxide storage prohibited unless local governing body approves, approval procedures provided

HB 428 prohibits injecting and storing carbon dioxide in underground wells (including Class VI wells) without approval from the county or municipal governing body where the well is located. It requires applicants to pay a $50,000 fee, submit detailed documentation about their experience, finances, and legal history, and undergo a 45-day public awareness period with community meetings. Local governments must consider environmental impacts, community effects (like property values), infrastructure costs, and alignment with local development when deciding applications, with a 30-day review period after public hearings. The bill directly affects carbon storage companies seeking to build such facilities and gives local communities significant control over site approvals.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

in committee · Alabama · House Feb 19, 2026

HB 463: Catfish; transfer out of state of those harvested in public waters prohibited; criminal penalties for violations established

HB 463 prohibits transporting live catfish harvested from Alabama public waters outside the state. It directly affects anglers, commercial harvesters, and anyone moving live catfish (specifically from the Ictaluridae family) out of Alabama. The bill amends existing law to add criminal penalties: a $1,000 fine for a first violation (Class B misdemeanor) and $2,000 for repeat offenses (Class A misdemeanor). The key provision bans out-of-state transport of live catfish - unlike the existing rule for other fish that allows limited personal use transport. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation

signed · Alabama · House Feb 10, 2026

HB 181: Dredging; coastal areas, dredged materials required to be beneficially used by persons dredging certain amounts

HB 181 requires entities dredging over 1 million cubic yards of material annually in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of that dredged material for "beneficial use," such as restoring habitats, creating recreational areas, or industrial applications. It explicitly excludes simply dumping material into public waters unless part of shoreline restoration or marsh creation projects. Exceptions include situations where federal funds are available for beneficial use or during a state emergency declared by the Governor. The law, set to take effect October 1, 2026, applies only to large-scale coastal dredging operations.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

in committee · Alabama · Senate Jan 13, 2026

SB 119: Dredging; coastal areas, dredged materials required to be beneficially used by persons dredging certain amounts

SB 119 requires any entity dredging over 1 million cubic yards of material annually in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of that dredged material productively - such as for fish habitat, recreation, or commercial purposes - instead of disposing it in public waters. It directly affects large-scale dredging operations, including port maintenance or coastal development projects. The bill mandates the Alabama Department of Environmental Management and Conservation and Natural Resources to create rules implementing this requirement, including updating coastal management programs. The law takes effect October 1, 2026, and includes a temporary emergency exception if the Governor declares a state of emergency.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

signed · Alabama · Senate Apr 16, 2026

SB 174: 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.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Hydroelectric Oil & Gas Conservation Public Lands

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 125: Taxation; to establish an income tax credit for oyster shell recycling

SB 125 creates a state income tax credit for Alabama restaurants that donate oyster shells to approved recycling programs. Restaurants can claim a credit of $1 for every 50 pounds of shells donated, up to a maximum of $2,000 per business annually, with a total annual cap of $100,000 across all restaurants. The credit applies to tax years 2026 through 2030 and requires restaurants to maintain records for verification. This policy directly affects restaurants participating in oyster shell recycling, incentivizing them to support coastal conservation efforts through tax benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Credits Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Recycling

died · Alabama · Senate Apr 7, 2026

SB 124: State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss

SB 124 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address the loss of seagrass in state marine waters. The task force, composed of researchers, government officials, and environmental representatives, will develop a 10-year restoration plan by coordinating existing research and testing new approaches. It must report annually to state leaders on progress, findings, and legislative recommendations, with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab managing funds and administrative support. The bill takes effect October 1, 2026, aiming to restore coastal ecosystems and their economic benefits.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation

signed · Alabama · House Mar 26, 2026

HB 271: Hunting and Fishing Licenses; lifetime disabled resident licenses established

HB 271 establishes lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for Alabama residents with disabilities. It creates three license types: hunting, freshwater fishing, and saltwater fishing, with fees set at $50 for those under 50 and $30 for those 50+ years old. Fees collected fund specific conservation endowment funds (Game and Fish for freshwater, Marine Resources for saltwater). The licenses, non-transferable and effective October 1, 2026, replace annual fees for eligible disabled residents. This directly affects Alabama residents with disabilities seeking long-term access to hunting and fishing activities.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Conservation Tags People with Disabilities

signed · Alabama · House Mar 9, 2026

HB 38: State waters; Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force established to remediate seagrass loss within state marine waters

HB 38 creates the Alabama Seagrass Restoration Task Force to address seagrass loss in state marine waters. The task force, composed of state officials, university leaders, environmental representatives, and private sector members, will develop a 10-year restoration plan by 2027. It will coordinate research, test restoration technologies, and report annually to the Governor and legislature on progress and recommendations. The bill directly affects coastal ecosystems and communities dependent on healthy seagrass beds, which support fisheries and water quality. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab will manage task force funding and operations.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Coastal & Flood Protection Conservation Water Quality

All environment bills