SB16 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Cam Ward

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

SB16 would create a new Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Program in Alabama, with its own state fund and an advisory commission to oversee and award energy research grants.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a grants program within the Department of Agriculture and Industries’ Center for Alternative Fuels to fund energy and fuel research for the public interest. It creates a dedicated Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury, with initial and ongoing funding from various sources. It sets up an Advisory Commission to advise on grant awards, promote a balanced funding portfolio, and encourage partnerships with universities and private groups, plus a yearly report to the Legislature detailing recipients and project progress.

Who It Affects

• Researchers, universities, private companies, and other organizations in Alabama that would apply for and receive grants to support energy and fuel research and development.
• Alabama state government entities (Department of Agriculture and Industries and the Center for Alternative Fuels) and Alabama taxpayers, since the program is funded by a new state fund, overseen by an advisory commission, and includes annual reporting requirements.

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 to fund energy and fuel R&D not adequately covered by markets.
• Establishes the Advisory Commission on Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants to advise on grant distribution, with specific appointment rules, quarterly meetings, diversity requirements, and no compensation for members.
• Creates the Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury, detailing funding sources, use, management, and carryover rules, including interest credits and non-reversion of unallocated appropriations.
• Authorizes initial appropriations of $20,000 from the State General Fund for fiscal years 2013 and 2014 to fund the program, and requires budgeted expenditures per state law.
• Defines program goals and a portfolio approach prioritizing reliable, affordable, and environmentally beneficial energy and fuel technologies, with open project selection and emphasis on partnerships with universities and private entities.
• Requires the Commissioner to report to the Legislature by March 31 each year on grants awarded, project types, outcomes, and recommendations for improvements, and makes the act effective immediately upon passage.

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