House approves bill allowing oil-and-gas board to permit alternative-energy use of abandoned wells; members press for environmental safeguards

A sponsor explained SB174 "accomplish[es] two major goals" — giving the state a framework to regulate alternative-energy projects at abandoned wells and clarifying the state's ability to lease those wells for such projects. The sponsor told members the effort focuses mainly on wells in Mobile Bay and on state lands.

Members repeatedly asked how many abandoned wells exist, which companies would perform the work, and what oversight would look like. Representative (questioner) asked directly, "Is this going to be only on state lands or is this going to be something that can be done wherever?" The sponsor replied that it is primarily for state lands and for wells that are already spent, using the earth's heat to generate steam for electricity and heating.

Representative Hammet offered a floor amendment to require wells used for these projects be at least 5,000 feet deep to protect freshwater resources; the sponsor described it as a friendly amendment and the chamber adopted it by recorded vote. Other members pressed for evidence that converting capped wells back into production would not harm nearby communities and asked whether environmental groups had been consulted.

Supporters said the Oil and Gas Board would set rules and exercise oversight; critics asked for more public documentation of environmental impacts and for clarity on whether the authority applies only to state-owned leases. The House adopted the measure (and the floor amendment) and recorded final passage on the calendar.

What happens next: Under the bill, the Oil and Gas Board will develop regulations and an approval process for alternative-energy projects that seek to repurpose capped wells; the board's rulemaking and any future leases will determine site-level environmental review and safeguards.