HB80 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Betty Carol Graham
Democrat
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Energy, Alabama Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program, established, funding for energy projects, Commission on Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants, established, Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy to advise, Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund, established, appropriation
Summary: HB80 creates a Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program and a Commission to fund and manage energy-related public-interest research in Alabama, with a dedicated fund and annual reporting.
What This Bill Does
It establishes a grant program and a commission to distribute funds for energy research and development that isn’t covered by markets. It creates a Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury and allows an initial appropriation (including a conditional $100,000 for 2010 and 2011). It sets up an open, diverse, and collaborative process involving private enterprises, universities, and research organizations, with oversight from a joint legislative committee and final discretionary approval by the commission. The program requires annual reporting to the Legislature on grants, recipients, project types, progress, and recommended improvements.

Who It Affects
Alabama residents and ratepayers, who may benefit from improved energy reliability, environmental benefits, and potentially lower energy costs as a result of funded projects.
Alabama universities and private research organizations, which can partner on and apply for public-interest energy grants.
Fossil fuel and bioenergy industries in Alabama, which receive opportunities to develop and commercialize new technologies through the program.
State government and legislative bodies, which establish governance, reporting requirements, and oversight through the Commission, the Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy, and related offices.
Grant recipients (public and private sector), who may receive funding for eligible energy research and development projects.

Key Provisions
Creates the Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program to fund energy-related public-interest research and development.
Establishes the Commission on Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants to administer and distribute program funds, with a specified, diverse membership and voting rules.
Creates the Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury and outlines funding sources, use, investment of unused balances, and non-reversion of unallocated appropriations.
Authorizes a conditional appropriation of $100,000 from the State General Fund for 2010 and 2011 to fund the program, contingent on available funds and Governor approval.
Establishes an open, merit-based project selection process, diverse grant recipients, and collaboration among private enterprises, Alabama universities, and research organizations.
Assigns the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy to review and advise on grant proposals, with the Commission having final discretion to approve or reject grants.
Requires annual reporting to the Legislature by March 31 on grants, recipients, project types, progress, and improvement recommendations.
Repeals conflicting laws and makes the act effective immediately upon passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Energy