A proposal in the Alabama Legislature could temporarily halt new solar farm development across the state after residents in Baldwin County raised concerns about a large project planned in the area.
Greg Albritton has introduced two bills that could significantly impact solar energy development. The legislation comes after residents said they were “blindsided” by plans for a large solar installation in the community of Stockton.
The project in question spans about 4,500 acres and is intended to help supply power to a $1.5 billion data center owned by Meta in Montgomery, more than 150 miles away.
One of the bills, SB354, would temporarily stop the construction of new solar power facilities for a year.
Albritton said the proposed pause would not apply to projects that are already under construction or currently operating.
“But if it’s not under construction or operation, it puts a moratorium on the construction of any new ones for a year,” Albeitton said.
“That’ll give us time to evaluate whether we have the proper Reclamations and the proper guidance and regulations and controls and protections.”
According to Albritton, the moratorium would likely apply to the Stockton solar project if the legislation is approved and signed into law by Kay Ivey.
However, the senator acknowledged the proposal could face changes during the legislative process.
Lawmakers may revise or amend the bill as discussions continue and stakeholders debate how solar energy projects should be regulated in Alabama.
A second measure, SB358, focuses on giving local governments more control over solar developments.
The proposal would allow certain county commissions to create regulations governing the permitting, placement, construction and operation of solar farms.
Albritton said the legislation is primarily intended to apply to the Baldwin County Commission, though it is structured as a broader statewide measure because there was not enough time in the legislative session to draft a local bill.
Under the proposal, entities that illegally build solar facilities could face penalties of up to $1,000. The measure would also allow the county commission to remove unauthorized solar installations at the landowner’s expense.
The legislation was inspired in part by local opposition to the Stockton solar project.
Residents have been organizing since February, expressing concerns about the project’s size and its potential impact on the surrounding environment and rural character of the area.
A local group, Friends of The Tensaw River, issued a statement supporting Albritton’s efforts to address the issue.
“We are grateful to know that Senator Albritton is paying attention to our plight in Baldwin County,” the organization said.
“Although we’ve not spoken with Senator Albritton, we’re grateful that he’s heard our concerns and wants a law to go into effect so that we can figure this out in Baldwin County. We hope this bill moves quickly, as there’s not much time left in the session, so this can become law.”
The proposal comes with only a few weeks remaining in the current legislative session, adding urgency to efforts to move the bills through the process.
Albritton said he intends to begin committee discussions quickly.
.jpg)
“It’s my intent to have [SB354] in committee in the Senate tomorrow,” Albritton said.
If approved, the legislation could temporarily reshape the trajectory of solar energy development in Alabama while lawmakers review existing regulations and consider how renewable energy projects should be managed in the future.
The situation reflects a broader national debate over renewable energy expansion.
Large-scale solar farms have become increasingly common as utilities and technology companies pursue clean energy goals and attempt to meet rising electricity demand from data centers and other infrastructure.
However, such projects sometimes generate opposition from local communities concerned about land use, environmental impacts and the pace of development.
In Alabama, the outcome of Albritton’s legislation could influence how similar projects are proposed and regulated in the coming years, particularly as demand for renewable energy continues to grow across the United States.
Originally reported by Patrick Darrington in Al. Com.
.png)
