90-2-202. Coal ash markets investigation program. (1) The department of commerce shall establish a coal ash markets investigation program to determine the existence of economically viable markets to reuse coal ash.

(2) The department may start an investigation when it has sufficient funds to conduct an investigation or in other circumstances the department determines appropriate. The department may issue grants to qualified individuals or entities to conduct the investigation.

(3) (a) Within 1 year of starting an investigation, the department shall present the results of the investigation in the form of maps and text to:

(i) the economic interim affairs committee; and

(ii) the environmental quality council.

(b) After the establishment of the program, the department shall report to the legislature in accordance with 5-11-210.

(4) The department may accept appropriations, gifts, grants, and reimbursements to be used for the purposes of this section.