1. United States
2. Ala.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to veto Senate Bill 71, which threatens Alabama's ability to protect our water, air, and soil quality. Despite enormous bipartisan opposition from Alabamians, this legislation passed and now jeopardizes the natural resources that define our state and drive our economy. SB 71 would make it significantly more difficult for Alabama to protect our lakes, rivers, drinking water, and air quality unless the federal government mandates action. The bill contains glaring loopholes that exclude entire forms of scientific evidence, particularly risk-based assessments. This approach is out of step with scientific consensus and differs from similar legislation in other states like Tennessee. Over 40 scientists and health professionals have opposed this bill, and five Representatives broke with their party to vote against it, standing against big business interests. Your conservation and outdoor recreation legacy is at stake. Under your leadership, you have promoted Alabama's outdoor recreation assets that provide tens of thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic impact to our state. If state agencies like the Alabama Department of Environmental Management cannot use scientifically sound risk-based assessments, they will be unable to protect the resources that sustain this economic engine. Thousands of Alabamians and outdoor recreationalists have spoken out against SB 71. This legislation was influenced by out-of-state business interests and passed at a fast pace without adequate consideration of its consequences for Alabama families who depend on clean water and healthy natural resources. I respectfully ask you to veto Senate Bill 71. Our rivers, lakes, and drinking water deserve protection based on sound science, not loopholes that serve corporate interests at the expense of Alabama's environment and economy.