Alabama Senate passes bill banning stricter state environmental rules than federal government

By: Anna Barrett

Outlets: Alabama Reflector

Published: February 4, 2026

Words: 546

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 4 days ago

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The Alabama Senate Tuesday approved a bill that would prohibit the state from having stricter environmental regulations than the federal government.

SB 71, sponsored by Sen. Donnie Chesteen, R-Geneva, drew sharp criticism from Democrats in the upper chamber, marking some of the first significant debate of the 2026 Legislative Session.

“This bill would also provide that upon the absence of federal law or regulations on an environmental matter, no state agency may adopt a …

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