The bill aims to clarify bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facilities in Montana and introduces a decommissioning lien. It amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA), specifically 75-26-304 and 75-26-308. Key provisions include the requirement for facility owners to notify the department of the commencement of construction and commercial operation, submit decommissioning plans, and provide an abstract of leasing agreements. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the decommissioning bond must be 100% of the amount calculated by the department and outlines specific timelines for bond submission based on the facility's operational date.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a decommissioning lien for facilities that fail to submit a bond or are abandoned, allowing the department to file a lien on the facility's assets. It also details the use of funds from a newly created wind and solar decommissioning account, which will include penalties and proceeds from the sale of assets secured by liens. The bill emphasizes the importance of compliance with decommissioning regulations and provides mechanisms for the department to take action if a facility owner fails to properly decommission their facility. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-26-304
HB0031_1(1): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(10): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(11): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(2): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(3): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(4): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(5): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(6): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(7): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(8): 75-26-304
HB0031_1(9): 75-26-304
HB0031_1: 75-26-304
HB0031_2(1): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(2): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(3): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(4): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(5): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(6): 75-26-304
HB0031_2(7): 75-26-304
HB0031_2: 75-26-304
HB0031_X(1): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(2): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(3): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(4): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(5): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(6): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(7): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X(8): 75-26-304, 75-26-308
HB0031_X: 75-26-304, 75-26-308