TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Three professors in The University of Alabama’s College of Engineering have been named subcommittee members of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy, a group that will help Alabama utilize its conventional and renewable resources by implementing responsible energy policies.

Dr. Peter Clark, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, and Dr. Ajay Agrawal, Robert F. Barfield Endowed Professor of Mechanical Engineering, will serve on two subcommittees: the research and development subcommittee and the bio-fuels and alternative fuels subcommittee. Dr. Robert Taylor, professor of mechanical engineering, will serve on the energy efficiency and conservation subcommittee.

In February 2007, State Representative Greg Wren, R-Montgomery, announced the creation of the Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy, which includes legislators, the governor, the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama’s universities, energy producers, renewable energy stakeholders and consumers.

In 1837, The University of Alabama became one of the first five universities in the nation to offer engineering classes. Today, UA’s fully accredited College of Engineering has about 1,900 students and nearly 100 faculty. In the last seven years, students in the College have been named USA Today All-USA College Academic Team members, Goldwater scholars, Hollings scholars and Portz scholars.

The University of Alabama, a student-centered research university, is in the midst of a planned, steady enrollment growth with a goal of reaching 28,000 students by 2010. This growth, which is positively impacting the campus and the state’s economy, is in keeping with UA’s vision to be the university of choice for the best and brightest students. UA, the state’s flagship university, is an academic community united in its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all Alabamians.