Center for Alternative FuelsAbout The Center For Alternative Fuels
Alabamians are excited about using alternative sources of fuels and energy in their daily lives. As news coverage about using fuels such as bio-diesel and ethanol has increased, we know that Alabama consumers and farmers want to be a part of this exciting new step toward energy security.The Department of Agriculture and Industries is where many people are turning for information, and Commissioner Ron Sparks decided late last year that it was time to begin pulling information together to help consumers find alternative fuels and help producers get into the business. That led to the establishment of the Center for Alternative Fuels.
When Commissioner Sparks announced the creation of the Center, he said, “We are facing some serious challenges in this country regarding energy consumption, and it seems to me that the only viable alternative is changing the way we make and use our fuel. As citizens the most patriotic action we can take is to develop and use alternative sources of fuel to lessen our dependence on foreign oil. Agriculture must be a big part of the solution. In fact, this could be the biggest revolution for agriculture in this country since farms were mechanized.”
Center for Alternative Fuels now part of Alabama law:
The leadership of the Alabama Legislature took note of Commissioner Spark’s action creating the Center for Alternative Fuels, and decided to create an Act to make the Center’s activities part of Alabama law. House Bill 123, sponsored by Rep. Thad McClammy of Montgomery and 25 other co-sponsors, was introduced in early March. It received overwhelming support in both houses of the legislature and Gov. Riley signed the bill into law on June 14, 2007. It is now known as Act 2007-452. (You can click here to access the full text of the Act)
In addition to the Act’s key directive creating the Center for Alternative Fuels, the Act also directs the Center to serve as a clearinghouse for federal grants, to help protect Alabama consumers by setting quality standards for alternative fuels sold in the state, and it created the Alabama Alternative Fuels Research and Development Fund. Beginning at the end of the 2007 tax year, Alabama taxpayers may contribute to this fund through an income tax check off.
Since a number of state agencies have some authority over fuel production, distribution, and taxation, the Center aims to create a sort of one-stop-shop for information.
We have just begun and invite to come back often for updates. Additionally, if you are a producer or supplier we invite you to contact us directly so that we can post your information or provide links to your business.