Bill > SB155

This bill establishes the "Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act" to create a grant program and a dedicated fund for economic and workforce development in areas of Alabama significantly affected by coal mining, particularly on federal lands. The program, administered by the Alabama Department of Workforce, will award grants to eligible local development organizations for initiatives such as workforce training, community improvements, infrastructure projects, and supporting the Alabama Surface Mining Commission. A key provision directs that revenues from federal coal lease sales, specifically rent and royalties collected by the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Natural Resources Revenue (ONRR), will be deposited into the newly created "Renewing Coal-Impacted Communities Act Fund" starting January 1, 2027. Before these remaining revenues are deposited into the fund, a portion will first go to the State General Fund, the Alabama State Port Authority for the McDuffie Coal Terminal at the Port of Mobile, and the Alabama Surface Mining Commission, with the remainder then available for grants. The bill also establishes an advisory committee composed of representatives from coal-impacted communities and relevant organizations to review grant applications and ensure community input.