House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to clarify bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facilities in Montana by amending Section 75-26-304 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA). The bill outlines the responsibilities of facility owners regarding the submission of decommissioning plans and bonds, including timelines for compliance based on the date of commercial operation. Notably, it introduces provisions for exemptions from bonding requirements if certain conditions are met, such as posting a bond with a federal agency or if the facility is owned by a private landowner with a significant stake in the operation.

The bill also establishes penalties for facility owners who fail to submit the required decommissioning bond within the specified timeframe, allowing for administrative penalties to be assessed. Additionally, it allows owners to appeal penalties and outlines the process for transferring ownership of facilities, including bond release and submission requirements for new owners. 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(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: 75-26-304