EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 28

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama and its citizens have a remarkable capacity to overcome adversity;

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama has recently endured damaging tornadoes, including an unprecedented series of devastating tornadoes in April 2011;

WHEREAS, the State of Alabama also faces threats from tropical depressions, tropical storms and hurricanes;

WHEREAS, Alabama’s utility providers do a fantastic job of swiftly and safely restoring essential services to Alabamians;

WHEREAS, preparation for severe weather can lead to fewer deaths, less property loss and a smoother transition back to normal;

WHEREAS, coordinated efforts and teamwork tend to lead to the most efficient and advantageous results; and,

WHEREAS, an entity uniting members from among the State of Alabama’s utility providers will encourage such further coordination and teamwork before, during and after severe weather.

NOW, THEREFORE, based upon these considerations, and for other good and valid reasons related thereto, I Robert Bentley, Governor of the State of Alabama, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Alabama, do hereby establish the Alabama Utility Workgroup for Disaster Response (the “Workgroup”) to encourage utility providers in the State of Alabama to share best practices and to aid in improving disaster planning and preparedness.

BE IT ORDERED that the membership of the Workgroup shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor and may be appointed from, but are not limited to, those who represent electricity providers, natural gas providers, telecommunications providers, cable and/or satellite television providers, water providers, and other members the Governor may choose to appoint.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that from among his appointees, the Governor will choose a member to serve as Chair of the Workgroup.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Workgroup shall plan and perform an annual Severe Weather Conference hosted by the Governor and the Director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, to be held sometime in January, February or March of each calendar year, beginning in 2013, to allow parties to share best practices and discuss ways to improve service and enhance communications, especially during disasters.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Workgroup shall meet, at a minimum, twice a year in addition to the annual conference and upon the call of the Chair to enhance communication among utility providers and share best practices.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Workgroup may create subcommittees to help meet the goals of the Workgroup.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that nothing herein should be interpreted as creating a governing body or board of any instrumentality of the executive department of the state.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that the Workgroup shall not be appropriated nor expend any public funds.

BE IT FURTHER ORDERED that this Executive Order shall become effective immediately upon its execution and shall remain in effect until amended or modified by the Governor.

DONE AND ORDERED this 20th day of April, 2012.

Robert Bentley

Governor

Attested

Beth Chapman

Secretary of State