Positive environmental report for Ala.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - An annual report on the state of Alabama's environment found a number of positive steps taken in the state in 2011 to improve the environment. That included the quick response to the tornadoes that caused devastation across the state in April.

The author of the report and publisher of Bama Environmental News, Pat Byington, said it showed that Alabama "became a greener state" in 2011.

The report praised the Alabama Legislature for passing legislation to allow Alabama voters to decide in November if they want to continue a program called "Forever Wild" to preserve wilderness land.

Also praised in the report were efforts to clean up after the BP oil spill in 2010.

Byington said the report recognizes Alabama residents who are working hard to create a better environment.