State lawmakers have passed Senate Bill 71, legislation that would limit the state’s ability to adopt environmental regulations that are stricter than federal standards. The bill now moves to the governor's desk.

According to the text of the bill, it prohibits a state agency from adopting a new rule, or amending an existing rule, that establishes environmental protection standards more stringent than federal law or regulations. The measure would prevent Alabama agencies from creating environmental rules that go beyond what the federal government requires.

Supporters say the law will create consistency between state and federal regulations. Opponents argue it will reduce Alabama’s ability to address environmental issues unique to the state, particularly in coastal areas.

It passed in the Senate with a 27-7 vote and in the House with a 68-34 vote. Among Baldwin County's delegation, two no-votes came from the only Democrat, Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, and Rep. Jennifer Fidler, R-Fairhope.

Environmental advocacy group Mobile Baykeeper criticized the bill’s passage, arguing it undermines local control over environmental protections.

"On the heels of a huge win for our bay, this is very disappointing,” said William Strickland, executive director of Mobile Baykeeper. “The bottom line is that our right to protect our and our family’s waters, health and way of life through state law has been taken away. Big government and big business have conspired against the will of the people once again.

“The people of coastal Alabama are going to resist the temptation to give up and keep fighting for the waters, fish, shrimp, oysters and the families who depend on them."

Gabriella Chavez is a Report for America corps member who writes about growth and development in Baldwin County and our natural spaces for Gulf Coast Media. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep her writing stories like this one; please consider making a tax-deductible gift of any amount today by visiting https://tinyurl.com/yaf8yf5n.