SB3 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, legislative intent relating to the expending of funds by the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources expressed

Summary

This bill requires Alabama to spend its Gulf of Mexico energy revenues only in the state's coastal subdivisions on coastal protection, restoration, and related efforts, as authorized by the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006.

What This Bill Does

It directs the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to use funds received from GOMESA for coastal conservation, restoration, and protection. It also states the intent that all federal funds available to Alabama under the Act be spent only within the state's coastal subdivisions. The bill lists approved uses for the funds, including coastal protection projects, wildlife/natural resources mitigation, implementation of conservation plans, onshore infrastructure to offset offshore impacts, and related planning and administrative costs. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs the bill into law.

Who It Affects

• The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources – must allocate and restrict the expenditure of GOMESA funds to Alabama's coastal subdivisions and ensure funds are used for eligible coastal projects.
• Coastal political subdivisions of Alabama (counties and municipalities within the coast) – would be recipients and beneficiaries of the funds, to use them for coastal protection, restoration, hurricane protections, and related purposes.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the expenditure of funds received by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006 for coastal conservation, restoration, and protection.
• Expresses the Legislature's intent that all federal funds available to Alabama under the Act be expended only within the state's coastal political subdivisions.
• Enumerates eligible uses for the funds: coastal protection and restoration; mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources; implementation of federally approved marine/coastal/conservation management plans; mitigation of offshore activity impacts through funding of onshore infrastructure; and planning assistance and administrative costs.
• Effective immediately upon passage and governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation and Natural Resources Department