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SB 155

Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant program established, new fund created, distribution of rent and royalties of federal coal lease sales

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Woods

Alabama bill creates grant program funded by federal coal lease revenues to support economic development and workforce training in coal-dependent communities.

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Bill Summary · SB 155

Legislative bill overview

SB 155 establishes a Coal-Impacted Communities Economic and Workforce Development Grant program in Alabama and creates a dedicated fund to distribute rent and royalties generated from federal coal lease sales. The bill designates these revenues to support economic diversification and workforce training initiatives in communities economically dependent on coal mining.

Why is this important

Coal-dependent regions face significant economic challenges as the energy sector transitions away from coal, with widespread job losses and declining tax bases. This legislation attempts to provide financial resources to help affected communities adapt through economic development and worker retraining, addressing a real economic displacement issue in coal regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal revenue reliance: The program depends on federal coal lease revenues, which are declining nationally as coal production decreases, potentially creating an unstable funding source
  • Scope and definition: Questions exist about which communities qualify as "coal-impacted" and whether the funding will be distributed fairly across eligible regions
  • Program effectiveness: Uncertainty about whether grant programs alone can adequately address structural economic challenges in coal communities without broader investment in alternative industries and infrastructure

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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