Environmental Commission Bill Finalized
Legislation giving the governor greater flexibility in appointing one member of the Alabama Environmental Management Commission awaits Gov. Kay Ivey’s signature.
HB 358 by Rep. Kyle South, R-Fayette, unanimously passed the Senate Wednesday, where Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, sponsored a companion bill. The measure allows a professional geologist to serve on the seven-member panel. 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.