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HB 428

Underground wells; carbon dioxide storage prohibited unless local governing body approves, approval procedures provided

2026 Regular Session

Alabama bill requiring local government approval before allowing underground carbon dioxide storage, giving communities veto power over CCS projects.

Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on County and Municipal Government
#conservation&naturalresources
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Bill Summary · HB 428

Legislative bill overview

HB 428 prohibits the injection and storage of carbon dioxide in underground wells within Alabama unless the local governing body (county commission or municipal authority) explicitly approves the project. The bill establishes that local governments must hold public hearings and make written findings before granting approval for any CO2 storage operations.

Why is this important

This bill directly affects whether carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology—a climate mitigation strategy some support—can be deployed in Alabama. It gives local communities veto power over industrial CO2 injection projects, which could either prevent environmental concerns or block potentially lucrative economic development and climate solutions, depending on perspective.

Potential points of contention

  • Economic vs. environmental trade-offs: Local governments must weigh job creation and potential revenue from CCS projects against groundwater contamination risks and induced seismic activity concerns
  • State vs. local authority: The bill shifts regulatory power from state to local level, potentially creating inconsistent policy across counties and complicating multi-county projects
  • Climate policy conflict: Environmental advocates may support local control, while proponents of carbon capture technology argue state-level coordination is needed for meaningful climate solutions

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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