1. (1)

   1. (a) There is created within the office the Utah Energy Research Grant Program.
   2. (b) The purpose of the program is to encourage energy-related research within the state by providing matching grants to applicants that have received federal or private grants for specific ongoing energy-related research projects.

2. (2)

   1. (a) An applicant that submits a proposal for a grant to the office shall include details in the proposal regarding:

      1. (i) the specific ongoing energy-related research project;

      2. (ii) information about previously awarded federal and private grants for the specific ongoing energy-related research project, including:

         1. (A) the amount of the previously awarded federal or private grant; and
         2. (B) the requirements to qualify for the previously awarded federal or private grant; and
      3. (iii) other information the office determines necessary to evaluate the proposal.

   2. (b) When evaluating a proposal for a grant, the office shall consider:

      1. (i) the grant amount requested, which may not exceed the amount of federal or private grants the applicant has been awarded;
      2. (ii) the extent to which the proposal advances the goals of the state energy policy and strategic energy plan;
      3. (iii) the extent to which any additional funding sources or existing or planned partnerships may benefit the proposal; and
      4. (iv) the viability of the proposal.

3. (3) Subject to this Subsection (3), the office may, in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, make rules to establish:

   1. (a) eligibility criteria for a grant;
   2. (b) the form and process for submitting a proposal to the office for a grant;
   3. (c) the process and criteria for determining the priority of applications received;
   4. (d) the formula and method for determining a grant amount; and
   5. (e) reporting requirements for a grant recipient.

4. (4) On or before October 31 of each year, the office shall provide a written report to the Public Utilities, Energy, and Technology Interim Committee regarding:

   1. (a) the number of grants and grant amounts awarded under the program;
   2. (b) data gathered under the program; and
   3. (c) the impact of the program on encouraging energy-related research within the state.

Enacted by Chapter 196, 2023 General Session