SJR57 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 25, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Greg J. Reed
Republican
Co-Sponsors: George M. “Marc” Keahey Dick Brewbaker Paul Bussman Arthur Orr Phillip W. Williams Gerald H. Allen Priscilla Dunn Paul Sanford Del Marsh J.T. Waggoner Bill Holtzclaw Roger Bedford, Jr.Shadrack McGill Jimmy Holley Cam Ward Scott Beason Rusty Glover Clay Scofield Jerry L. Fielding William “Bill” M. Beasley Gerald O. Dial Mark Slade Blackwell Bill Hightower Bryan Taylor Linda Coleman-Madison Quinton Ross Harri Anne Smith Rodger Smitherman
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Environmental Protection Agency, urged to issue guidelines regarding power production that recognize state performance standards
Summary: SJR57 is a non-binding Senate resolution urging the EPA to recognize and support Alabama’s authority to set state-based carbon dioxide standards for existing power plants to keep electricity affordable and reliable.
What This Bill Does
The resolution asks the EPA to support state regulation of CO2 emissions from existing power plants by recognizing state-developed standards. It requests the EPA to issue guidelines and approve state-established standards that rely on demonstrated CO2-specific controls. It also asserts that the EPA should preserve states’ ability to set less stringent standards, longer compliance schedules, and flexible compliance mechanisms within their jurisdictions, in line with the Clean Air Act.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents and electricity customers, who would benefit from maintaining affordable and reliable coal-fired electricity under state-developed standards.
Alabama state regulators and coal-fired power plant operators, who would retain authority to develop and implement state CO2 standards and enjoy flexibility in compliance approaches.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other states, which would be urged to recognize and align with state-developed standards and maintain state-level regulatory authority.

Key Provisions
EPA must maintain Alabama’s and other states’ authority to rely on state regulators to develop CO2 emission performance standards that reflect state policies, energy needs, resource mix, and economic priorities.
EPA should issue guidelines and approve state-established CO2 performance standards that are based on adequately demonstrated CO2-specific controls at fossil-fueled power plants.
EPA must preserve states’ ability to set less stringent performance standards and longer compliance schedules for power plants within their jurisdiction.
EPA must preserve maximum flexibility for implementing compliance mechanisms for state-established CO2 performance standards for fossil-fueled power plants within their jurisdiction.

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