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2026 Regular Session Introduced by Daryl Campbell and 1 co-sponsor

HB 61 prohibits underground storage of carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluids in Covington County, protecting residents' health and the environment from potential risks.

Died in Criminal Justice Subcommittee

#(vetoed)

Summary of HB 61: Covington County Underground Storage Prohibition

Bill Number: HB 61
Title: Covington County; underground carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluids storage prohibited; constitutional amendment
Status: Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
Introduced: November 13, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Covington County

Purpose and Intent

HB 61 proposes an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, specifically targeting Covington County. The primary intent of this bill is to prohibit the injection and storage of carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluids in underground wells within the county. This legislative action aims to address environmental and public health concerns associated with underground fluid storage.

Key Provisions

Prohibition of Injection and Storage: The bill explicitly prohibits any person from injecting, storing, or sequestering carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluids in underground wells in Covington County. This includes operations classified as Class V and Class VI wells under the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Underground Injection Control Program, as defined by the Safe Drinking Water Act (42 U.S.C. § 300f et seq.).

Constitutional Amendment Process: The proposed amendment will be added to the Constitution of Alabama upon ratification by a majority of qualified voters. The bill outlines that an election will be held to allow voters to decide on the amendment.

Election Details: The election will be conducted in accordance with Sections 284, 284.01, and 285 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as well as the state's election laws. A ballot description will inform voters about the proposed amendment, allowing them to vote "Yes" or "No."

Affected Parties

Local Residents: The prohibition primarily affects residents of Covington County, who may have concerns about the environmental impacts of underground fluid storage.

Industry Stakeholders: Companies involved in carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluid injection and storage operations will be directly impacted by this amendment, as it restricts their ability to conduct such activities in the county.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Timeline:

The bill was filed and read for the first time on November 13, 2025.
It has been referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism for further consideration.

Voting Process: The proposed amendment will require a majority vote from qualified electors to become part of the state constitution.

Conclusion

HB 61 seeks to safeguard the environment and public health in Covington County by prohibiting the underground injection and storage of carbon dioxide and nonhazardous fluids. The bill's progression through the legislative process will determine its potential impact on local communities and industries involved in fluid storage operations.