SB296 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Zeb Little

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Lewis Smith Lake, surface coal mining operations prohibited within certain distance of, area of protection extended, Sec. 9-16-96 am'd.

Summary

SB296 would ban surface coal mining within five miles of Lewis Smith Lake, expanding protection beyond the current 1,000-foot limit.

What This Bill Does

It amends the law to prohibit new or expanded surface coal mining within five miles of the lake's mean high water level starting January 1, 2010, with exemptions for mining activities that existed on January 1, 2010 or have a valid permit. It creates a process for designating unsuitability areas for mining and requires data, planning methods, and public participation before any designation. It includes public hearings and post-decision review to keep stakeholders informed and allow challenges to decisions, while aligning state rules with federal and local planning when possible.

Who It Affects

• Surface coal mining operators and companies would be prohibited from starting or expanding mining within five miles of Lewis Smith Lake, except for pre-existing operations or those with valid permits as of January 1, 2010.
• Residents, landowners, and the general public around Lewis Smith Lake would gain stronger protection for the lake area and would have opportunities to participate in hearings and decisions about land-use designations related to mining.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits surface coal mining within five miles horizontally from the mean high water level of Lewis Smith Lake beginning January 1, 2010, with exceptions for pre-existing operations and permitted activities.
• Amends 9-16-96 to establish a framework for designating areas unsuitable for mining, based on land-use plans, environmental and resource concerns, and with required data and planning methods.
• Requires public notice, hearings, and opportunities for public participation before any designation or redesignation of unsuitability areas.
• Requires integration of mining-suitability decisions with federal, state, and local land-use planning and provides for post-decision review by the commission.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Mines and Mining