No More Florence Electricity Department? - Part II

 

So far, many readers are either already in favor of an electric board for the entire county or at least giving it a great deal of consideration. Here's some more thoughts on the subject from the Alabama Public Utilities Alliance:

Please be aware, Representative Ben Harrison, of the Lauderdale County Delegation, introduced HB436 (attached) impacting the ownership and operations of the City of Florence Electricity Department in creating the Lauderdale County Electric Board. There are many troubling concerns with this legislative proposal especially considering it uses a constitutional amendment to dictate energy policy for the entire state of Alabama in addition to skirting the Territorial Act of 1984 & 1985. This precedent-setting language could impact all utilities including electric, gas, water/wastewater utilities as well as cooperatives and investor-owned utilities.

Current Situation:

HB436 was introduced in the Alabama House of Representatives yesterday, April 9, 2024, and could take as little as 5 legislative days to pass both chambers. The State Legislature is currently on day 21 out of a total of 30 legislative meeting days. Since this is Local Legislation, members of the Lauderdale County Delegation will need to be in support of the bill to move forward. Currently, there is a hold on the bill which means at least one member of the delegation has concerns. HB436 will not be considered until all members agree to move it forward. Should it move forward and be considered by the House of Representatives Local Legislation Standing Committee, it will be ever so important for committee members to hear from you and your Mayors, in opposition to the bill. Attached is a list of committee members for your reference. Should you have a member of your delegation on the committee, please contact them today. If you do not have a member on the committee, please contact a member of your delegation and ask them to speak with the Chairman, Alan Baker, to share their opposition.

While the legislative days continue to count down, there is time for this bill to move. It is important to push back on HB436 as it sets a precedent impacting all utilities across the state. 

And from one other in the know:

This did not just pop into the local legislatures heads. It is being driven by by others that have some kind of influence with our representatives.

THIS IS A DANGEROUS PRECEDENT TO SET!!!