This bill prohibits the construction and operation of new large-scale ground-mounted solar power facilities for one year in Alabama counties that border the Gulf of America. The measure defines affected facilities as installations designed to generate electricity for off-site use or sale to third parties, excluding existing projects already under construction or operational when the law takes effect. The restriction applies immediately upon enactment and aims to protect coastal and watershed areas in Gulf-bordering counties.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
