The Alabama Legislature passed HB 181 (HB181), also known as the "Save Our Bay" bill.
The House concurred Tuesday evening after the Senate passed the bill with an amendment earlier in the day.
HB181 by State Rep. Rhett Marques (R-Enterprise) would define beneficial-use projects to prevent in-bay mud dumping by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. It would require 70% of the dredge material to be put to beneficial use.
The House unanimously passed the bill last week.
The Senate amendment reads, "Nothing in this section shall be construed to grant a third party standing to bring a private cause of action relating to this section."
SEE ALSO: Watch: Shocking video of Mobile Bay dredging causes outrage, concern
State Sen. Chris Elliott (R-Josephine), who sponsored the Senate version of the bill, voted for the amendment after saying he had received approval from all parties.
"As Baldwin County's state senator, protecting Mobile Bay and preserving the environment that makes our area such a special place to live, work, worship and raise our families rank among my highest priorities," Elliott said. "With the passage of this bill, we have shielded the commercial and sport fishing industries, ensured that our waters remain clean and clear and protected the important oyster beds, seagrass and other aquatic life that mud dumping harms."
State Sen. David Sessions (R-Grand Bay) said he spoke with marine interests and everyone was supportive of the measure. Sessions emphasized, "When that happens, that's quite an anomaly."
"This is a huge win for the people of Coastal Alabama, but it is not the end," said William Strickland, executive director at Mobile Baykeeper, in a statement. "This is the beginning of a revival of our waters. The passage of the bill to end mud-dumping shows what happens when our communities unite around our waters."
The bill will go to Gov. Kay Ivey's desk to be signed into law.
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