SB9 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, intent that federal funds be expended only within Gulf Coast political subdivisions by the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources

Summary

SB9 requires that Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act funds received by Alabama be spent only within the state's coastal political subdivisions.

What This Bill Does

It codifies that federal funds Alabama receives under the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act of 2006, administered by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, must be used for coastal protection, restoration, and related purposes. It explains how these funds are allocated under federal law (at least 10% to Alabama; 20% of Alabama’s funds to coastal subdivisions) and lists allowed uses, including coastal protection projects, mitigation of damage to natural resources, implementation of a coastal management plan, funding onshore infrastructure to offset offshore activities, and planning/administrative costs. It also states the intent that all such funds be expended only within Alabama’s coastal subdivisions and becomes effective immediately after the governor signs it.

Who It Affects

• Coastal political subdivisions (cities and counties along Alabama's Gulf coast) — eligible recipients of funds; expenditures restricted to their areas for coastal protection, restoration, hurricane protections, and related projects.
• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) — administrator of the funds; responsible for ensuring funds are expended only within coastal subdivisions.

Key Provisions

• Section 2: Establishes the Legislature's intent that all federal funds available to Alabama through Public Law 109-432, Division C, Title I, §§105, 120 Stat. 3000 (43 U.S.C. 1331 note), administered by the ADCNR, be expended only within the state's coastal political subdivisions.
• Section 1: Describes the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act's revenue sharing and allowable uses: Alabama must receive at least 10% of available funds; 20% of the amount allocated to Alabama must be distributed directly to its coastal subdivisions; funds may be used for coastal protection/restoration, mitigation of damage to fish/wildlife/natural resources, implementation of a federally approved marine/coastal management plan, onshore infrastructure to mitigate offshore activity impacts, and planning/administrative costs to comply with the act.
• Section 3: Takes effect immediately upon passage and the governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Conservation and Natural Resources Department