Legislation giving the governor greater flexibility in filling vacancies on the Alabama Environmental Commission passed the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee Wednesday.

SB 273 by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, would allow one member of the seven-person panel to either have National Ground Water Association certification or be a professional geologist. Current law requires the seat to be held by a certified well driller, which has created challenges in finding a qualified appointee.

The Environmental Management Commission governs actions by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Other members include a physician, engineer, attorney, chemist or veterinarian, biologist or ecologist, and an Alabama resident with no specialized experience. 

The bill passed committee 7-0 and now heads to the Senate for consideration. (Federation Supports)