HB329 Alabama 2016 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed Henry

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2016

Title

Power generation, adopting Interstate Power Compact, state sovereignty, EPA Clean Power Plan

Summary

HB329 would adopt the Interstate Power Compact to give states and local governments the primary role in controlling air pollution, limiting federal oversight.

What This Bill Does

If passed, Alabama would join the Interstate Power Compact, which places the main responsibility for creating and enforcing air pollution standards on states and local governments. The compact emphasizes state sovereignty and aims to protect those powers under the Constitution, while still aligning with the Clean Air Act. It includes a pledge that state agencies will not file EPA 111(d) plans unless limits are technically achievable within current generating units and fuels, and only after the Supreme Court rules on the rule's legality. If Congress approves the compact, the EPA would be prohibited from imposing federal measures on a member state that has not filed a fully approvable state plan.

Who It Affects

• State and local government agencies in Alabama and other member states, who would have primary responsibility for developing and enforcing air pollution standards and must follow the pledge requirements and seek Congress's approval for amendments.
• The federal government (EPA and Congress), whose role would be limited in imposing federal plans on member states and who must approve any amendments to the compact.

Key Provisions

• Adopts the Interstate Power Compact to place primary air pollution control responsibilities with member states and local governments.
• Pledge restricting state filings under EPA's Section 111(d) rule to only limits achievable within current plant equipment and fuels, and only after the Supreme Court rules on the rule's legality.
• If Congress approves the compact, the EPA cannot impose federal measures on a member state that fails to file a fully approvable state plan.
• Amendments to the compact require unanimous agreement of member states, with Congress's approval implied unless disapproved within one year.
• The compact becomes effective once adopted by two or more states and Congress provides consent; states may withdraw with notice, and the compact dissolves if all but one state withdraw.
• Definitions section clarifies terms like State, Compact, and Member State.

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