Alabama can no longer protect its own air, water, or land above the federal minimum — whatever that minimum happens to become.
SB71 bars Alabama agencies from adopting environmental protection standards stricter than the corresponding federal requirements. Governor Ivey signed it February 19, and it took effect immediately.
A 27–7 vote is not a formality. Seven senators voted no, which means there was an alternative and each member chose.
Final passage — “Motion to Read a Third Time and Pass as Amended” · roll call 1622181 · 27–7 · verify
The pledge
I will vote to repeal SB71 and to restore Alabama's authority to set environmental standards that reflect Alabama's own rivers, soil, and air.
Sign this pledge
Any 2026 Alabama candidate, either party. Verified before publication.
Federal standards should be a floor, not a ceiling.
Alabama has its own rivers, industries, communities, and environmental challenges. If evidence shows that Alabama needs stronger protections in a particular case, state officials should at least have the authority to consider them.
SB71 takes that option away. Even if Alabama officials determine that a stronger standard would better protect Alabamians, state law now prevents them from adopting it when it exceeds the federal requirement.
| Name | Office sought | Date | Verified by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spencer Stone | Alabama Senate, District 16 | 2026-09-01 | candidate is the author of this pledge |
Listed only where a campaign gave an explicit answer. A name appears here because someone said no — never because they were slow.
| Name | Office | Date asked | Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing to report yet. | |||
Contacted, given a stated deadline, and no answer received. This is not a refusal and is not presented as one.
| Name | Office | Date asked | Deadline given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nothing to report yet. | |||
Any 2026 candidate for Alabama office may sign, regardless of party. If you agree with the commitment, I want your name here.
Send your name, the office you are seeking, and a line confirming the commitment above. Signatures are verified before publication.
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