Section 29-2-270 Legislative Findings.

The Legislature makes the following findings and statements: (1) The reduction of the dependence on foreign oil is necessary to preserve and protect our national security. (2) Reliable, plentiful, and affordable energy and the effective distribution of energy are vital to the support and growth of all sectors of Alabama’s economy. (3) The future energy needs of the state also present unique opportunities to diversify the state’s energy supply and provide new opportunities for agriculturally based products and Alabama based clean energy technologies. (4) Energy derived from agriculturally and forest based products offers the potential to expand rural and economic development in Alabama. (5) Increasing the efficiency of existing technology combined with the development of new technologies, including coal gasification, coal liquification, advanced coal-based generation, and nuclear power, should be encouraged as ways of producing more energy with reduced emissions. (6) Continuing study is absolutely necessary to identify, address, and provide for the future energy needs of the state.