HB518 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Greg Wren

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

Title

Energy, Alabama Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Program, established, funding for energy and fuel projects, Advisory Commission on Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants, established, Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund, established, Agriculture and Industries Department Center for Alternative Fuels to administer, appropriation

Summary

HB518 creates a state program and fund to finance energy and fuel research for public interest in Alabama, managed by the Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Center for Alternative Fuels, with an advisory commission and a dedicated grants fund, funded for 2012 and 2013.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Program to fund energy and fuel research not covered by markets. It creates a Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury and an Advisory Commission to guide grant decisions. It provides a small initial General Fund appropriation and requires annual reporting on grants and progress toward program goals.

Who It Affects

• Alabama residents and businesses who could benefit from improved energy reliability and potentially lower energy costs resulting from funded projects
• Universities, private companies, and other research organizations in Alabama that can apply for and collaborate on grant-funded energy and fuel research projects

Key Provisions

• Creates the Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Program within the Department of Agriculture and Industries Center for Alternative Fuels
• Establishes the Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury with rules for deposits, operation, investments, and use; 20% of funds used for program operation; funds may carry over and accrue interest to the fund
• Forms the Advisory Commission on Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants with specified members including legislative leaders, statewide officials, and appointees; requires diversity and quarterly meetings; allows remote participation; members serve without compensation
• Sets a portfolio-based approach to funding that balances risk and time horizons, emphasizes fossil fuel, alternative fuel, and bioenergy technologies, and encourages open, merit-based project selection with input from the advisory commission
• Requires the commissioner to evaluate grant proposals based on relevance, objectives, capability to fulfill goals, and potential benefit to many citizens, with grants awarded only if majority of advisory commission members present approve
• Requires annual reporting to the Legislature by March 31 on grant recipients, amounts, project types, progress, and recommendations for improvement
• Provides an initial $20,000 appropriation from the State General Fund for 2012 and 2013 to fund the program
• Repeals conflicting laws and establishes immediate effectiveness upon approval

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Energy