SB16 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 public interest energy and fuel research and development projects.

• 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, and Agriculture Commissioner, meeting at least quarterly to recommend grant awards.

• Creates the Public Interest Energy and Fuel Research and Development Grants Fund in the State Treasury to receive state appropriations, gifts, grants, and federal funds for program purposes.

• Appropriates $20,000 from the State General Fund to the grants fund for each of fiscal years 2013 and 2014 to support energy and alternative fuel research projects including fossil fuel, bioenergy, and reliability initiatives.

• Requires the Commissioner to evaluate grant proposals based on relevance to program purposes, advancement of objectives, and ability to benefit the greatest number of citizens, with consideration only of proposals receiving majority advisory commission support.