Alabama

Clay Scofield: Affordability depends on protecting Alabama’s energy backbone

Published

3 months ago

January 26, 2026

Clay Scofield: Affordability depends on protecting Alabama’s energy backbone

Affordability is often used as a political slogan, but in Alabama, it is a real, everyday concern for families, seniors, and businesses. And the truth is simple: affordability depends on stability: stable communities, stable jobs, and stable, reliable energy.

Energy is more than what comes through a power line. It is one of the most important economic engines in our state. It attracts industry, drives job creation, supports rural revitalization, and powers every sector of Alabama’s economy. When energy systems are strong, Alabama grows. When they are strained, everything becomes more expensive.

For decades, Alabama’s electric providers — PowerSouth, TVA, Alabama Power, cooperatives, and municipal systems — have invested in reliability, diversification, and long-term planning. That commitment has protected Alabama from the instability and price shocks seen in other states that rushed into politically driven energy policies without considering the consequences. Alabama’s balanced approach has been its competitive edge.

In recent years, state leaders have become essential partners in strengthening this foundation by passing major, forward-looking packages. In 2023, the Legislature passed The Game Plan to revitalize our economic incentives. They followed it in 2024 with Working for Alabama, a landmark initiative on workforce development. But the most important step for long-term affordability may be the 2025 Powering Growth package.

Powering Growth is not about regulation. It is about partnership, modernization, and positioning Alabama for economic expansion. The package is designed to reduce borrowing costs for major energy infrastructure projects, which ultimately lowers long-term expenses that influence the cost of energy. It also streamlines the approval process for using highway rights-of-way, allowing utilities to expand electric, fiber, and gas infrastructure more quickly and efficiently. That means faster project timelines, better connectivity, and stronger support for both rural and industrial development.

These improvements are not abstract. They help attract new industry, support advanced manufacturing, create high-wage jobs, and prepare communities for future growth. They make Alabama more competitive today, and more prepared for tomorrow.

This state-led partnership aligns with efforts at the federal level as well. President Trump’s “Speed to Power” initiative is focused on accelerating the nation’s ability to build energy infrastructure, and Alabama is already ahead of the curve. That’s why the Energy Institute of Alabama joined by Governor Ivey, Speaker Ledbetter, and Pro Tem Gudger recently encouraged the U.S. Department of Energy to study Alabama’s Powering Growth model as an example of how federal and state governments can work together to strengthen the nation’s energy backbone.

The issue of affordability has also received attention from leaders like U.S. Senator Katie Britt. Her continued dedication to supporting constituents throughout Alabama is notable. Politics aside, we all agree this is an area where thoughtful, long-term solutions matter most for communities, businesses, and economic competitiveness.

As the global energy landscape evolves, Alabama must continue prioritizing what has always worked: balanced planning, reliable service, and public policy that supports, rather than hinders, economic growth. That is how we ensure affordability, protect competitiveness, and keep Alabama one of the strongest states in the Southeast.

Affordability is not a partisan issue. It is a people issue. And protecting it means protecting the energy backbone, and the economic engine, that keeps Alabama strong.

Clay Scofield is the President and CEO of the Energy Institute of Alabama. He previously served as Majority Leader of the Alabama State Senate.

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Alabama

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Published

3 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Alabama edge to pattern his game after 2-time Super Bowl Champ

Photo comes via Rodger Champion of Alabama athletics

How electric could Alabama football be on defense this season?

Alabama edge updates development of 4-star inside linebacker

The answer comes down to how many players Kane Wommack can produce to affect opposing quarterbacks in the pocket.

He returns Yhonzae Pierre, a fourth-year edge rusher, following a season where he collected eight sacks (team-high), 14.5 tackles for loss (team-high), nine quarterback hurries (team-high), and three forced fumbles. Pierre will draw much attention from offensive coaches; however, the Crimson Tide has a sophomore ready to help him on the outside.

Justin Hill, a former four-star from Cincinnati, Ohio, has made it his mission to become a complete pass rusher.

Alabama edge Justin Hill (#8) is modeling his game after a former two-time Suer Bowl Champion.

3/25/25 MFB Spring Practice
Alabama Linebacker Justin Hill (8)
Photo by Kent Gidley

He provided some excitement in 15 games last year, posting 10 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, and a pass breakup.

Former 4-star edge “will stand out” at Alabama in 2026 season, per Yhonzae Pierre

Who is Justin Hill modeling his game after?

The 6-foot-3, 244-pounder had a good spring, and the coaching staff looks at him as someone that brings speed, power, and edge-bending abilities to harass quarterbacks. Hill mentioned to reporters after A-Day that he wants to ‘go through’ quarterbacks in generating pressure.

He also wants to pattern his game after a former two-time Super Bowl Champion.

Hill detailed the former two-time Butkus Award winner he’s emulating.

“I am watching guys like Von Miller,” Hill said. “I’m watching a lot of speed to power guys.”

Hill stated Nik Bonitto of the Denver Broncos as another National Football League pass rusher he is studying. Bonitto has 37 sacks and 44 tackles for loss in four seasons with the Broncos – including a career-high 14 sacks in 2025.

Miller is one of the greatest pass rushers in the history of the league. He has 138.5 career sacks, including seven seasons with 10-plus sacks.

Miller has two Super Bowl rings, a Super Bowl Most Valuable Player honor, three first-team All-Pro honors, eight Pro Bowl nods, and is on the NFL’s 2010 All-Decade Team.

Hill learned to ‘cut it loose’ as an edge rusher from Pierre, so the combination of that and studying film on Miller should prepare him to be a force in the fall.

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Stephen M. Smith is a team writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.

Stephen Smith is a 2015 graduate of the University of Alabama.
He is a seasoned writer that has covered Alabama football for Touchdown Alabama Magazine since 2009. Smith has extensive knowledge within the program, which has made him among the most respected journalist in his field. Throughout his career, Smith has been featured on ESPN and several other marquee outlets as an analyst.

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Alabama

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

Published

15 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

YMCA of South Alabama holds Healthy Kids Day in Spanish Fort

SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WALA) – The YMCA of South Alabama held a Healthy Kids Day at Spanish Fort Town Center Park.

Saturday’s event featured games and demonstrations, along with interactive activities featuring police and fire vehicles.

“I think just seeing so many organizations come together that serve kids, and just seeing kids have fun,” said Gwen Summer, CEO of the YMCA of South Alabama.

Marissa Rennaker, director of development for the YMCA of South Alabama, said the event exposed children to new activities.

“I think it’s been seeing all the kids laugh and try different things that they probably haven’t tried before,” Rennaker said. “There was a big group doing pickleball and yoga. We had ballet earlier, so just getting them out and exposed to things, I think it’s been great.”

The event was designed to kick off a healthy, active summer.

The YMCA of South Alabama is located at 27080 Pollard Road in Daphne.

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Alabama

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Published

1 day ago

April 18, 2026

Press Room

Former Alabama superstar signs massive extension with NFL team

Former Alabama star Will Anderson Jr. has reportedly signed a three-year, $150 million extension with the Houston Texans, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Anderson instantly solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in football throughout his rookie campaign in 2023. The star defensive end was named as the Rookie of the Year in 2023, as Anderson’s extension will officially keep him in Houston long-term, as well as make him the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Anderson recorded an impressive 12 sacks on the Texans’ defensive line in 2025, as the former Alabama star has made history following his head turning extension with Houston.

Anderson was nothing short of a superstar throughout his time at Alabama. Houston drafted the talented lineman with the third overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, as Anderson was widely regarded as one of the top overall selections from his class.

The former Crimson Tide superstar has officially inked a massive extension with the Texans, as Anderson will undoubtedly continue playing a critical role on Houston’s defensive line over the coming seasons.

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