Through innovations in energy and environmental policies, programs and technologies, SSEB enhances economic development and quality of life in the South. The Board also is authorized to accept funds from any state, federal agency, interstate agency, institution, person, firm or corporation provided those funds are used for the Board's purposes and functions.Core funding for the Board comes from the appropriations of its 18 member jurisdictions.  This year, additional support was received for special projects from research grants, cooperative agreements and contracts from the U.S. Army Tank-automotive and Armaments Command's Alion Science and Technology Corporation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Energy, U.S. Department of Transportation, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and various other funding sources. In addition, SSEB maintains an Associate Members program comprised of industry partners who provide an annual contribution to the Board. Membership includes organizations from the non-governmental sector, such as corporations, trade associations and public advocacy groups. The Associate Members program provides an opportunity for public officials and industry representatives to exchange ideas, define objectives and advance energy and environmental planning to improve and enhance the South's well-being.