THAT’S A WRAP!

The Alabama Legislature wrapped its 2025 session yesterday. It was a mixed bag in terms of environmental legislation. Several good pieces of legislation passed, but unfortunately, some really bad ideas also came up this year. While we fought hard against many of them, we weren’t able to stop them all.

THE GOOD NEWS

• SB 46 and HB 104 both gave the City of Mobile more authority to enforce our state’s laws related to illegal dumping. Any legislation that improves the enforcement of any of our environmental laws, especially those related to littering or dumping is good news for our rivers. More eyes on litterbugs means less trash and fewer used tires in our creeks. 
• HJR 84 established April as Alabama Native Plant Month. Like last year’s legislation recognizing Little Bluestem as Alabama’s State Grass, this is mostly symbolic, but recognizing the importance of native plants in Alabama is a benefit for tourism and increases awareness of our world-class biodiversity. Learn more about native plants in Alabama and the people working to protect them by watching Alabama Roots here. 
• SB 64 ensures that invasive aquatic plant species are safely removed from some of our larger rivers.
• HB 92 establishes a taskforce to investigate the health of seagrass in Mobile Bay and make recommendations to protect and grow our state’s seagrass beds. Learn more about the decline of seagrass in Mobile Bay by watching Saving Seagrass here.

We hope to continue to see the legislature celebrate (and protect) our native plants and the habitats that both plants and animals need to thrive.

THE NOT SO GOOD NEWS

HB 541 was our priority legislation this year. The bill, as drafted by ARA and introduced by Representative Neil Rafferty, would have made it easier for drinking water utilities to fund infrastructure improvements to eliminate PFAS – or “forever chemicals” – contamination. Unfortunately, the bill did not move this session.

While we were disappointed, we’re confident that this legislation will come back next year, giving our elected officials another opportunity to help our drinking water utilities and the customers who depend on them. We know that the problem of PFAS in drinking water isn’t going away, and recent steps taken by the EPA indicate that the first-of-their kind regulations limiting PFAS in drinking water will remain in place. The solutions that HB 541 could help provide will be just as important next year, and we plan to work hard to ensure its passage. We’ll be in touch with our members and partners about how to talk to your representatives about this legislation during the off-season. To learn more about PFAS, watch The Cost of Forever here.

HB 473, as it was originally introduced, would have prevented any drinking water utilities from imposing any sort of restrictions or regulations on public use of their reservoirs. Most of the time, activities like fishing, swimming, or boating are not going to have major impacts on drinking water quality, but in some instances – like when invasive species are present – or even just when a boat has a leaky engine, it makes sense to have some sort of common-sense limitations on how and when drinking water reservoirs can be used for recreation. 

It wasn’t a complete loss though! I testified against this legislation when it was in the House Committee on Boards, Agencies and Commissions, which resulted in some positive changes to the bill, limiting its scope. After this hearing, the legislation was indefinitely postponed, and did not become law.

SB 330, the most controversial legislation related to water this session, was a bill that reorganized the Birmingham Water Works Board and fired all of its members. This legislation was introduced very late in the session, without adequate time for debate, amendments, or public engagement. After consulting with our partners in the Birmingham area, ARA engaged in fighting against this legislation. Our action alert resulted in 150+ calls and letters to Alabama House members in one day. Unfortunately the fight was too little too late and the bill passed.

Reasonable people can differ about whether or how the Birmingham Water Works Board needs to be reformed, but unfortunately, the way this bill was introduced and handled made these important conversations impossible. While court battles over this legislation will likely last at least through this summer, ARA hopes that no matter the outcome, Birminghamians and our neighbors can have an open and thoughtful discussion about the future of water service in the Birmingham area. We believe that requires Birmingham residents to have a chance for meaningful input, since they represent the largest segment of the Board’s customer base.

RIVERS OF ALABAMA DAY!

Our Rivers of Alabama Day Lobby Day event was a great success! The most inspiring part of Rivers of Alabama Day is hearing ARA members, many of whom are meeting with their legislators for the first time, report back with stories about how they got to know their elected officials, and the connections they made around water.   

We also saw other municipalities in Alabama celebrate the special day, with Wetumpka and Montgomery County both adopting resolutions recognizing the second Tuesday in April as Rivers of Alabama Day. These two joined the City of Montgomery, which recognized Rivers of Alabama Day starting last year. We’re glad these River Region communities have recognized the resource at the heart of their region, and hope to see the recognition of RAD spread throughout the state!

WHAT’S NEXT?

The 2026 session will be the last year in the four-year period, or quadrennium, between legislative elections. Traditionally, this means it’s very difficult to get legislation passed. Legislators are eyeing reelection or higher office, and may be reluctant to dissent against party leadership or take bold stances on issues. That is where you come in! Our members are the most important tool in our advocacy toolkit. Your engagement makes our legislative work possible, and truly makes a difference in Montgomery.

Stay tuned to our emails for the next round of ALSTAR training to open and for opportunities to talk with legislators in your community over the next several months! In the meantime, if you have any questions about our work, the legislative process, or how to get engaged, please reach out!

Thank you for all you do to help us Defend Rivers!

 

 

Charles Miller, IV

Policy Director

Alabama Rivers Alliance