A bill giving the governor greater flexibility in appointing one member of the Alabama Environmental Management Commission passed the House Agriculture and Forestry Committee Wednesday. 

SB 273 by Sen. Clay Scofield, R-Red Hill, would allow 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. 

Last week, the full House passed the companion bill, HB 358 by Rep. Kyle South, R-Fayette. The Senate bill could receive a final vote in the House as early as next week.

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.  (Federation Supports)