SB194 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: T.D. “Ted” Little
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: The bill creates a new state program and agency to fund energy-related public interest research and development in Alabama, with a dedicated fund and governance structure.
What This Bill Does
It establishes the Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program and appoints a Commission to award grants. It sets up a Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury and provides an initial conditional appropriation for 2010 and 2011. It also outlines goals, a portfolio approach to funding, governance, reporting requirements, and collaboration with universities, private industry, and state agencies to advance Alabama’s energy resources and technologies.

Who It Affects
Alabama energy researchers, universities, and private energy companies that would be eligible to apply for and receive grants and collaborate on energy projects.
Alabama residents and taxpayers who may benefit from improved energy reliability, potential environmental benefits, and information about how public funds for energy research are spent.

Key Provisions
Creates the Alabama Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program to fund energy-related public interest R&D for Alabama’s fossil fuel and bioenergy resources.
Creates the Commission on Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants as the grant-making body with sole discretion to distribute funds; the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy serves as an advisory group.
Establishes the Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury to receive appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds; funds are kept separate and used only for this act.
Authorizes a conditional state General Fund appropriation of $100,000 for fiscal years 2010 and 2011 to fund the program, contingent on available funds and gubernatorial and financial approvals.
Sets program goals to advance technologies that enhance Alabama’s energy resources, improve environmental benefits, increase reliability, and lower energy costs.
Requires a portfolio-based approach that balances risk, time horizons, collaboration, and open competition among diverse research proposals and recipients.
Provides for open project selection, encouraging partnerships among private entities, Alabama universities, and research organizations; prioritizes projects with potential broad benefit to citizens.
Outlines governance with a Commission that includes state agency heads, appointment provisions, diversity requirements, advisory role for the committee, and regular meetings; audits and reports to Legislature.
Mandates annual reporting to the Legislature by March 31 on grants awarded, project progress, and program improvements.
Creates an ongoing funding mechanism with investment rules, carry-forward of unspent funds, and administrative provisions for managing the grant fund.

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