The bill aims to regulate the ability of state agencies in Alabama to adopt or amend rules related to environmental protection. Specifically, it prohibits agencies from establishing standards that are more stringent than federal requirements for various environmental subjects, including drinking water and air quality. Additionally, if there are no federal standards in place, agencies can only adopt new rules if they are based on the "best available science" and the "weight of scientific evidence." The bill defines these terms and outlines the criteria for what constitutes reliable scientific information, emphasizing the need for studies that are peer-reviewed and based on generally accepted scientific practices.

Furthermore, the bill includes specific provisions that prevent agencies from using values from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Integrated Risk Information System as a default in developing numeric water quality criteria. It also outlines exceptions to these regulations, such as rules required by federal law or those that are less stringent than federal standards. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-22-3, 41-22-5
Engrossed: 41-22-3, 41-22-5
Enrolled: 41-22-3, 41-22-5