HB128 Summary

• Creates the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy to develop the Alabama Energy Plan addressing the state's long-term and short-term energy challenges, including recommendations on oil and gas production, renewable energy, and alternative energy sources.

• Committee membership includes chairs of relevant House and Senate committees, five House members and two Senate members appointed by leadership, and the Chair of the Permanent Oil and Gas Study Committee, with at least one minority party member from each chamber.

• Establishes the Legislative Energy Policy Office with a director and staff to support the committee's continuous study of energy supply and recommendations for legislative and institutional changes to benefit the economy and protect the environment.

• Committee shall establish eight advisory subcommittees covering biofuels, efficiency and conservation, environmental issues, infrastructure, renewable power, research and development, technology and communications, and incentives.

• Committee must submit recommendations by the fifth legislative day of each regular session beginning in 2011; annual state expenses limited to $10,000 per fiscal year.