As President Donald Trump takes swift action to restore American energy dominance, Alabama lawmakers are charging ahead with a legislative package designed to strengthen the state’s energy future and economic competitiveness.

Last week, the Alabama Senate passed the ‘Powering Growth’ package, a three-bill initiative aimed at modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, cutting bureaucratic red tape, and attracting new industries.

The legislation now moves to the Alabama House of Representatives, where it is expected before the end of the legislative session.

The Powering Growth package is designed to give Alabama a strategic advantage by speeding up the construction of energy infrastructure, ensuring reliable supply chains, and providing financial tools to help utility providers and economic developers meet growing demands.

An independent study conducted by the Alabama Department of Commerce recommended this legislative package, and it is a priority of the newly established Alabama Growth Alliance.

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Lawmakers structured the plan to strengthen energy security and drive economic competitiveness without raising taxes.

At the center of the package is SB304, the Powering Growth Act.  It creates the Alabama Energy Infrastructure Bank, a new division under the State Industrial Development Authority, tasked with financing energy infrastructure projects. These projects could include power lines, substations, and other critical facilities needed to support industrial expansion and community growth.

The bill also establishes a Strategic Energy Infrastructure Development Fund, which will allow the state to pre-purchase long lead-time equipment like transformers and switchgear.

By anticipating supply chain needs in advance, Alabama lawmakers aim to eliminate costly delays that often hold up major infrastructure projects.

The bill includes a clause that ties its enactment to the successful passage of SB304, ensuring that the funds are only transferred if the infrastructure bank is officially established.

This effort is intended to prevent months of costly delays, which can deter industrial investment and slow economic growth.

Supporters of the Powering Growth package say it represents a forward-looking investment in Alabama’s future infrastructure.

Lawmakers view the package as taking proactive steps to ensure the grid can meet rising demand from manufacturers, technology companies, and expanding communities while also emphasizing the importance of reaching rural and underserved areas, where reliable access to energy is critical for spurring development. 

The initiative reflects a broader conservative movement to rebuild and expand American energy production capabilities.

President Trump, along with U.S. Senators Britt and Tuberville, have emphasized that energy dominance is critical not only for economic prosperity but for national security.

Unleashing American energy dominance will drive down prices for hardworking families and small businesses while bolstering U.S. national security.

Common sense is back! https://t.co/OZA6Ec4ixN

— Katie Britt (@KatieBrittforAL) April 26, 2025

Lawmakers say Alabama’s Powering Growth package aligns with Trump’s policy plans and is designed to encourage private investment, reduce regulatory barriers, and ensure that critical infrastructure is in place to support economic expansion.

The legislative package comes as Southeastern states such as Georgia, Tennessee, and Texas pursue similar efforts to modernize infrastructure and attract new industry. Alabama lawmakers say the Powering Growth package is intended to keep the state competitive by investing in energy infrastructure and expediting project development.

Supporters of the package view it as a way to demonstrate that Alabama is prepared to meet the energy needs of growing industries, emphasizing speed, reliability, and long-term capacity. They expect the coordinated approach to financing, permitting, and infrastructure readiness to create broader economic opportunities, particularly in rural and developing areas.

House leadership has indicated that the package has strong support among members and could be among the first major economic development measures approved as the legislative session enters its final weeks. If enacted, the Powering Growth package would mark a significant investment in Alabama’s energy infrastructure and economic growth strategy.

Grace Heim is a state and political reporter for Yellowhammer News. You can follow her on X @graceeheim or email her at [email protected].