HB518 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Program administered by the Department of Agriculture and Industries Center for Alternative Fuels to fund energy and alternative fuel research projects not adequately supported by competitive markets.

• Creates the Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund within the State Treasury to receive state appropriations, gifts, grants, federal funds, and other public and private funding.

• Establishes the Advisory Commission on Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants composed of legislative leaders, the Lieutenant Governor, Public Service Commission President, Agriculture Commissioner, and appointed members to advise on grant distribution and project selection.

• Appropriates $20,000 from the State General Fund to the grants fund for fiscal years ending September 30, 2012 and September 30, 2013.

• Requires the Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries to submit annual reports to the Legislature by March 31 detailing grant recipients, award amounts, project types, evaluations of funded projects, and program recommendations.