State of Alabama Archives: on Environment


Doug Jones: Coal is the past; must help workers transition

I am a legacy of the coal mining industry. Rather than promise that miners can return for generations to dangerous, scarcely regulated jobs-- I think America must step-up to secure a safety net of healthcare and job retraining for these families.
Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate website DougJonesForSenate.com Aug 17, 2017

Doug Jones: Conservationists back Jones

The League of Conservation Voters Action Fund cited Jones' environmental protection platform in endorsing him. Jones said protecting the environment is also a benefit to Alabama's economy, "Hunting and fishing have an economic impact of $2.7 billion in Alabama and support 30,500 jobs. Being good stewards is good for our state and good for business."
Source: Birmingham News on 2017 Alabama Senate race Oct 12, 2017

Gary Palmer: Rein in the EPA

Q: Please explain your top two or three priorities if elected.

    Palmer's answer:
    1. Economic Growth: open up federal lands to access our vast energy resources.
    2. Repeal and Replace the Affordable Care Act
    3. Rein in the EPA and initiate broad regulatory reform.
      Source: VoteSmart 2014 Alabama Congressional Political Courage Test Aug 30, 2014

      Kay Ivey: Tax credits for landowners who replant cut trees

      Despite what the mainstream media may tell you, Alabama and the rest of the nation have made tremendous progress in cleaning up our environment.

      According to the EPA, Alabama's air is much cleaner than it was 30 years ago. So is our water: 97% of our rivers and streams are clean, as are 84% of our lakes. Alabama is also blessed to have some of the largest areas of forest in the nation. And most of this land--almost 75% of it--is owned by private, non-industrial owners who use it for camping and hunting.

      Surprisingly, most of the progress Alabama has made in being a cleaner state came way before the federal government decided it was a problem. Rather than rely on a slow-moving state or federal bureaucracy to tell us when our air, water, or land is in trouble, we need to encourage public-private partnerships that would reward responsible landowners for keeping their land pristine. Tax credits for landowners who replant trees when they are cut would be a good start.

      Source: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website KayIvey.org Mar 31, 2010

      Kay Ivey: No water commissions with onerous regulations & litigation

      The state of Georgia recently passed a statewide, comprehensive water policy but the policy has not been in practice long enough to ascertain results of success or shortcomings. As much as we need clean, usable and plentiful water, I want to be assured that any governmental involvement is both necessary and effective. If we look at the Georgia model, there are real concerns on the surface about creating a bureaucratic monster. Experience teaches us that, even with wonderful intentions, the devil is in the details.

      We do not need to establish commissions and departments which would create excessive, onerous regulations. We need to avoid the potential for more litigation which would clog our overburdened courts. We must guard against creating financial obligations that the state can't adequately fund. And, I'm ever mindful that without proper rules and accountability in place, governmental regulatory bodies invite the potential for corruption.

      Source: 2010 Alabama Gubernatorial campaign website KayIvey.org Mar 31, 2010

      Luther Strange: Don't hamstring economy to get clean air & water

      We can have clean water, clean air, which we demand, and which people in agriculture care more than anyone about and we can also have an economy so we don't have to hamstring our economy to have clean air and clean water."
      Source: 2017-2018 Alabama Senate campaign website LutherStrange.com Aug 31, 2017

      Marcus Bowman: Voluntary win-win solutions instead of EPA mandates

      Q: Do you support or oppose the policy, "EPA regulations are too restrictive"

      A: Strongly agree. I want the cleanest air and cleanest water and to preserve our natural beauty and will work continuously for private sector, common sense, voluntary, positive, win-win solutions. EPA mandates are not the way.

      Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues Jan 21, 2016

      Robert Bentley: Primary value of forests is economic and job related

      Alabama forests are an important part of the storm recovery process both in terms of the beauty and recreation they provide, but also for the economic value they have and the jobs that the forest products industry provides to Alabama's overall economy. The members of this task force will work diligently to make sure this industry recovers as quickly as possible.
      Source: Alabama 2011 gubernatorial press release #5072 May 12, 2011

      Robert Bentley: Gulf State Park: economically & environmentally sustainable

      There is simply no place like Alabama's beautiful Gulf Coast, and the incredible Gulf State Park Project is well on its way to becoming an international benchmark of economic and environmental sustainability. On track to open next year, the Gulf State Park Project will be the pride of our state for outdoor recreation, education and hospitality.
      Source: 2017 State of the State address to Alabama Legislature Feb 7, 2016

      Ron Crumpton: A healthy environment is essential to a healthy America

      Q: Do you agree or disagree with the statement, "EPA regulations are too restrictive"?

      A: Strongly disagree. A healthy environment is essential to a healthy America.

      Source: Email interview on 2016 Alabama Senate race with OnTheIssues Nov 26, 2015

      Terri Sewell: League of Conservation Voters: highest score from Alabama

      Sewell earned the highest score with a 90. "As a Representative of constituents disproportionately impacted by environmental injustices, I am proud to fight for stronger environmental protections for our communities," Sewell said. "I am proud to receive the highest score from the League of Conservation Voters in Alabama's Congressional Delegation. I remain committed to doing everything in my power to ensure we create a better, healthier, and more equitable environment for future generations."
      Source: Alabama Political Reporter on 2022 Alabama Senate race Feb 22, 2021

      Tommy Battle: Environmental education needs to start with the children

      The video illustrated the impediment the mayors' cited: lack of knowledge about sustainability. "Until you do the education and the communication with the public," added Battle, "you're not going to have the buy-in that you have to have to go forward." In 2010, his city launched Green 13, a 20 yr sustainability plan. Battle is still working to weave concept of sustainability into the social fabric. A crucial component of that effort has been a push for better childhood environmental education.
      Source: CityLab.com on 2018 Alabama Senate race May 8, 2012

      Walt Maddox: Sees his role as a protector of the natural resources

      Q: In your opinion, what is the governor's role in supporting conservation in Alabama?

      A: The governor must be a leader who sets priorities and values, who faithfully executes the conservation and environmental laws of Alabama, and who proposes policy changes to strengthen protection of Alabama's natural resources.

      Source: Conservation Alabama on 2018 Alabama Gubernatorial race Jul 4, 2018

      Will Boyd: Ensure access to clean drinking water and clean air for all

      • Ensure that all Americans have access to clean drinking water and clean air
      • Help provide quicker relief to cities and townships affected by chemical leaks or spills
      • Support changing out of lead pipes
      • Make sure all Americans--especially those living in rural areas and poor communities--have opportunities to tie into sewer or septic systems
      • Support modernization of ports and waterways
      Source: 2022 Alabama Senate campaign website DrWillBoyd.com May 25, 2022

      • The above quotations are from State of Alabama Politicians: Archives.
      • Click here for definitions & background information on Environment.
      • Click here for other issues (main summary page).
      2016 Presidential contenders on Environment:
        Republicans:
      Gov.Jeb Bush(FL)
      Dr.Ben Carson(MD)
      Gov.Chris Christie(NJ)
      Sen.Ted Cruz(TX)
      Carly Fiorina(CA)
      Gov.Jim Gilmore(VA)
      Sen.Lindsey Graham(SC)
      Gov.Mike Huckabee(AR)
      Gov.Bobby Jindal(LA)
      Gov.John Kasich(OH)
      Gov.Sarah Palin(AK)
      Gov.George Pataki(NY)
      Sen.Rand Paul(KY)
      Gov.Rick Perry(TX)
      Sen.Rob Portman(OH)
      Sen.Marco Rubio(FL)
      Sen.Rick Santorum(PA)
      Donald Trump(NY)
      Gov.Scott Walker(WI)
      Democrats:
      Gov.Lincoln Chafee(RI)
      Secy.Hillary Clinton(NY)
      V.P.Joe Biden(DE)
      Gov.Martin O`Malley(MD)
      Sen.Bernie Sanders(VT)
      Sen.Elizabeth Warren(MA)
      Sen.Jim Webb(VA)

      2016 Third Party Candidates:
      Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
      Roseanne Barr(PF-HI)
      Robert Steele(L-NY)
      Dr.Jill Stein(G,MA)
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      Page last updated: Feb 18, 2023