SB194 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Program to fund energy-related research and development projects that advance science and technology for Alabama's fossil fuel and bioenergy resources.

• Creates the Commission on Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants as a new executive agency with sole discretion to distribute appropriations and other available funds for the grants program.

• Creates the Public Interest Energy Research and Development Grants Fund within the State Treasury to receive appropriations from the Legislature, gifts, grants, and federal funds.

• Appropriates $100,000 from the State General Fund to the grants fund for fiscal years ending September 30, 2010 and September 30, 2011, contingent upon available funds, Finance Director recommendation, and Governor approval.

• Makes the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy an advisory committee that reviews grant applications and makes recommendations to the Commission, which retains final approval authority.