Environment (Water Quality)

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 162 prohibits Alabama state agencies from creating or modifying environmental rules that set stricter standards than federal requirements for issues like air quality, water pollution, drinking water, hazardous waste, or contaminated sites. If no federal standard exists for a specific environmental issue, the bill requires agencies to base any new rule on "best available science" with a demonstrated causal link to proven human harm (like diagnosable disease), not just potential risk. The law exempts rules required by federal law, less strict rules, or emergency rules. This bill directly affects Alabama environmental agencies (like the DEP) and industries subject to environmental regulations, limiting their ability to enact stricter local standards without scientific justification.

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.