HB50 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gregory Canfield
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Environment, coal combustion by-products, fly ash waste, bottom ash waste, boiler slag waste, and flue gas emission control wastes, exemption from regulation as solid wastes, removed, Secs. 22-27-2, 22-27-3 am'd.
Summary: HB50 would bring coal combustion by-products like fly ash and bottom ash under Alabama solid-waste regulation instead of exempting them.
What This Bill Does
It amends Sections 22-27-2 and 22-27-3 to remove the exemption that kept fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas emission control wastes from solid-waste regulation and to authorize their regulation as solid waste. It directs the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to develop a state regulatory program for these by-products that aligns with federal rules, and until federal requirements take effect, disposal would follow Alabama's solid-waste laws with existing permits able to operate. It also allows the beneficial use of coal combustion by-products as part of the state program where permitted by federal law.

Who It Affects
Electric generating plants and coal-fired power plant operators, who would now be subject to solid-waste regulations for coal combustion by-products.
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) and solid-waste facilities (landfills, transfer stations, materials recovery facilities), which would regulate and enforce the handling and disposal of these by-products.
Local governments and households, who participate in or are affected by local solid-waste management rules and any new regulations related to these by-products.
Industries that reuse coal combustion by-products (for example in cement or road materials), who may be able to use these by-products under a state program aligned with federal rules.
The general public and the environment, who could see changes in waste disposal practices and regulatory oversight aimed at protecting health and the environment.

Key Provisions
Remove the exemption that prevented coal combustion by-products from being regulated as solid waste and authorize regulation of fly ash, bottom ash, boiler slag, and flue gas emission control wastes as solid waste.
Authorize ADEM to develop and adopt state rules for a coal combustion by-products regulatory program that is consistent with federal requirements (Subtitle D), and establish provisions for beneficial uses of these by-products as part of the state program.
Provide a transitional framework: disposal of coal combustion by-products remains subject to existing solid-waste laws until federal requirements take effect, and facilities permitted before the act’s effective date may continue operating until federal rules apply.
Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately upon the governor’s signature.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Environment