Environment in Alabama | MyRepTracker

in committee · Alabama · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SR 104: Alabama "The River State," designated

This Senate resolution formally designates Alabama as "The River State" to honor the historical and ongoing importance of its waterways. The measure recognizes that rivers have long been central to the state's identity, economy, and development, as seen in both its original and current official seals. By adopting this title, the legislature aims to celebrate Alabama's natural resources and reaffirm its commitment to preserving them for future generations. This symbolic action does not alter laws or create new regulations but serves as an official statement of state pride and environmental stewardship.

Topics ✓ Environment

signed · Alabama · House Apr 17, 2026

HJR 316: Encouraging the Governor to promote the textile recycling industry in Alabama

This bill is a non-binding resolution that encourages the Governor and state agencies to develop a plan promoting Alabama's textile recycling industry. It aims to position the state as a leading hub for this sector by leveraging its historical cotton production and business-friendly environment. The measure does not create new laws or mandates but serves as a formal recommendation to the executive branch to explore opportunities in this market.

Topics ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Recycling

signed · Alabama · House Apr 15, 2026

HJR 270: Authorizing an independent environmental assessment by the University of South Alabama of maintenance dredging operations in Mobile Bay

This bill authorizes the University of South Alabama to conduct an independent environmental assessment of maintenance dredging operations in Mobile Bay. The study will evaluate short-term and long-term impacts on the bay's ecosystem, compare different methods for disposing dredged material, and identify gaps in current research. The university is also tasked with developing mitigation strategies to reduce environmental harm and conducting an economic analysis of the dredging program's importance to local industries. Results from the one-year assessment must be made available to the Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Alabama · House Mar 19, 2026

HB 623: Solar energy; permit to operate solar energy projects required, decommissioning and restoration requirements established, operators required to establish bonds, restoration of abandoned sites provided, enforcement provided

This bill requires owners of large solar energy projects in Alabama to register with the state Department of Environmental Management every three years and pay a $5,000 filing fee. It mandates that project operators submit detailed plans for shutting down and restoring the land, along with financial guarantees like bonds to cover these costs. The law also gives the department authority to take over decommissioning and restoration if a project is abandoned, using money from a newly created state fund. These rules apply specifically to ground-mounted solar projects covering at least two acres that connect to the electrical grid, excluding smaller systems used for personal energy needs.

Topics ✗ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Solar

in committee · Alabama · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SJR 88: Expressing support for the United States Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation endeavor

This resolution expresses the Alabama Legislature's support for the U.S. Department of Energy's Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation initiative, which seeks to establish campuses that modernize the nation's nuclear fuel cycle. The bill encourages state officials to respond to the Department of Energy's request for information by April 1, 2026, with the goal of securing a Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campus within Alabama. It also directs a copy of the resolution to be sent to Governor Kay Ivey to facilitate this effort. The measure does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of legislative intent to advance nuclear technology development in the state.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Sub-Topics Nuclear

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

in committee · Alabama · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 525: Covington County; county commission authorized to adopt ordinances to protect public health and welfare, regulate environmental impact of certain activities, Constitutional Amendment

HB 525 proposes a constitutional amendment to grant Covington County's Commission new authority to create local rules (ordinances) for unincorporated areas. Specifically, it would allow the Commission to protect public health/welfare, regulate environmental impacts of industries or projects, and impose fines for violations. The amendment does not permit new taxes or county authority within municipal boundaries (unless contracted with a city). This change requires voter approval through a statewide election under Alabama law.

Topics ✓ Environment

Tags Local Government

in committee · Alabama · House Jan 29, 2026

HB 349: Etowah County local constitutional amendment; Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act created; boundaries defined; certain activities permitted or prohibited within protected area; exemptions

HB 349 proposes a constitutional amendment to create the Whorton Bend Agricultural Protection Act in Etowah County, Alabama. It defines the boundaries of the Whorton Bend Community area (a peninsula along the Coosa River) and prohibits new commercial, industrial, or high-density residential development that would interfere with agriculture or environmental protections. The bill allows existing agricultural operations, farm-related businesses (like equipment storage or produce stands), and pre-existing commercial structures to continue operating, while banning new multifamily housing, apartment complexes, and projects that alter wetlands or riverbanks. This directly affects landowners and developers within the defined area by restricting future development to preserve the region's farming and environmental character.

Topics ✓ Environment ✗ Housing

Sub-Topics Property Development Zoning

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