SB72 Summary

• Creates 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 provided by competitive markets.

• Establishes the Advisory Commission on Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants, composed of the Chair of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy (chair), Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Public Service Commission, and Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, plus three additional appointed members.

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

• Appropriates $100,000 from the State General Fund to the grants fund for each of fiscal years ending September 30, 2012, and September 30, 2013.

• Requires the Commissioner to evaluate grant proposals based on merit and advisory commission recommendations, and to submit annual reports to the Legislature by March 31 detailing grant recipients, award amounts, funded projects, and program improvements.