Bill Would Change Qualification for Environmental Board
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)