Alabama lawmakers and Governor Kay Ivey have taken a major step to protect the right of families and businesses to choose their own energy sources without being bound by federal mandates or burdensome local regulations.

State Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa) authored SB50, which would prohibit government agencies from enacting policies or taking actions that restrict Alabamians or other entities from obtaining or using equipment based solely on the type of energy or energy generation used to run the equipment.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the bill into law on Friday after it was approved by both the Alabama House and Senate.

“The last thing hardworking Alabamians need or want is for an abuse of government power to reach our homes,” said Governor Ivey.

“I'm proud to sign this commonsense bill from Senator Gerald Allen and ensure that consumer choice always comes first in Alabama. Our residents can make their own choices, and SB50 underscores our commitment to consumer freedom.”

As of 2023, 98 cities and towns across the United States Instituted anti-gas policies And policies have been proposed in dozens more countries. Other states, including Florida, Georgia, Montana, North Carolina, South Dakota and Tennessee, have also passed appliance choice bills protecting their citizens' right to choose. Alabama is now one of those states with one signed into law.

“Alabamians can rest assured that they will have the freedom to choose what appliances they want without government interference,” said State Senator Allen. “Restricting free enterprise is not the American way!”

In 2019, the Alabama Legislature and other states across the U.S. passed legislation that preserves the right of people and businesses to choose their energy sources. Now, some local governments are looking at ways to get around the law by adopting measures through building codes and other alternatives.

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In Alabama, residents commonly use gas appliances due to the reliability, safety, and affordability of natural gas. During severe weather conditions, these appliances allow Alabamians to cook, boil water, and run generators, which are essential to maintaining self-sufficiency during power outages. Natural gas also plays a critical role in emergency response efforts following severe weather events, including powering generators.

Natural gas is primarily produced in the U.S. This domestic production allows Alabama to reduce its reliance on energy imports from foreign countries that are at odds with the U.S. and may have less stringent environmental regulations.

“We know our customers want the choice to choose the energy that fuels their homes and businesses, and we believe they should be able to preserve that choice,” said Joe Hampton, Spire Energy's president for Alabama, the Gulf Coast and Mississippi.

“Millions of people, from homeowners to restaurants to large industries, prefer natural gas appliances to heat their homes and water, cook and grow their businesses. Natural gas remains affordable, reliable, safe and abundant, and we will continue to meet our customers' needs and supply them with the energy they need,” he added.

Grayson Everett is the state and politics editor for Yellow Hammer News. You can follow him on Twitter. Grayson