House Bill 181 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rhett MarquesRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Dredging; coastal areas, dredged materials required to be beneficially used by persons dredging certain amounts

Summary

HB181 requires large dredging operators in Alabama's coastal areas to use at least 70% of dredged material for beneficial uses, and directs state agencies to implement the rule through changes to the coastal management program.

What This Bill Does

In coastal areas, any person who dredges more than 1,000,000 cubic yards per year must ensure at least 70% of the dredged material is beneficially used (for habitat, recreation, or industrial and commercial uses). Beneficial use excludes dumping into public waters unless part of shoreline restoration or marsh creation. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources must adopt rules to carry out this act, including updating the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program as needed.

Who It Affects

• Dredging companies or entities that dredge more than 1,000,000 cubic yards per year in Alabama's coastal areas; they would need to arrange or fund beneficial uses of at least 70% of the material.
• Alabama state agencies (ADEM and ACNR) responsible for enforcing the rule and revising the coastal management program to implement the law.

Key Provisions

• 70% of dredged material must be beneficially used by dredgers over 1,000,000 cubic yards annually in coastal areas.
• ADEM and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources must adopt implementing rules and revise the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program to enforce the provision.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation & Natural Resources