Alabama Senator Proposes Solar Farm Moratorium

0:00It's March 11th in Birmingham. Let's get into the news. A state senator in Alabama has filed two bills to tackle worries about big solar farms. Senator Greg Albertan from Atmore introduced Senate Bill 354 and Senate Bill 358. The first one calls for a one-year pause on starting new solar projects, giving time to check regulations and protections. It would not touch any sites already building. This push stems from strong pushback in Baldwin County. Residents there learned late about a huge 4,500-acre solar farm near Stockton. The project aims to supply power to Metta's $1.5 billion data center over 150 miles away in Montgomery. Locals have rallied against it since February, feeling surprised by the scale. Groups in the area say they appreciate lawmakers listening to their side. They want quick action before the project moves further. The second bill will let certain county commissions make rules on where solar farms go and how they operate.

1:02It includes fines of to $1,000 for breaking those rules plus options to tear down illegal ones at the owner's cost. Albertan plans to send the moratorium bill to a Senate committee right away. He expects changes along the way to bill support and get it signed by the governor fast. Lawmakers hope to wrap this up before the session ends. This episode is brought to you in partnership with our sponsor. Some people meditate. I just lay down and press play. S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com.