SJR97 Alabama 2015 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2015

Title

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), urged to remove Birmingham's 35th Avenue Site from National Priority List (NPL), urging EPA to abandon "air deposition" theory and enforce Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)

Summary

A Senate Joint Resolution urging EPA to remove the 35th Avenue site from the National Priority List and abandon an air-deposition theory, while reaffirming Alabama’s regulatory authority.

What This Bill Does

If adopted, SJR97 formally expresses the Legislature's opposition to EPA actions in Alabama, requests EPA to reconsider listing the Birmingham 35th Avenue site on the NPL without state support, and asks EPA to drop the air-deposition theory of CERCLA liability. It directs the Attorney General and ADEM to vigorously counter EPA's methods and stay within statutory authority, and asks the Governor and Alabama's congressional delegation to take steps to limit EPA overreach. It also supports AG and ADEM's objections and ongoing legal opposition to EPA activities in the state.

Who It Affects

• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) would be urged to change its approach, reconsider the NPL listing, and stop using the air-deposition theory.
• Alabama state agencies and leaders (ADEM, Attorney General, Governor, and Alabama's Congressional Delegation) along with Alabama residents and businesses would be encouraged to oppose EPA overreach and defend the state's regulatory authority.

Key Provisions

• Urges EPA to reconsider the proposal to include the 35th Avenue site on the National Priority List without the State's support.
• Urges EPA to refrain from acting outside its statutory authority in Alabama and to abandon the air-deposition theory of CERCLA liability.
• Urges the Attorney General and ADEM to combat EPA overreach and to seek steps by the Governor and Alabama's Congressional Delegation to constrain EPA's activities within its authority.
• Supports the comments and objections of the Attorney General and ADEM and ongoing legal opposition to EPA actions in Birmingham and elsewhere.

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

Subjects

Resolutions, Legislative