The bill aims to clarify bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facilities in Montana and introduces a decommissioning lien for facilities that fail to meet these requirements. Key amendments include the requirement for facility owners to notify the department within 90 days of commencing construction and to submit an abstract of any leasing agreements with landowners. Additionally, the bill specifies that the decommissioning bond must be 100% of the amount calculated by the department and outlines the timeline for bond submission based on the facility's operational date. It also establishes penalties for failure to submit the bond and allows for appeals against penalties.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a decommissioning lien that the department can file against a facility's assets if a bond is not submitted or if the facility is abandoned. The lien amount will be based on estimated decommissioning costs, and the department can take action to decommission the facility if the owner fails to do so. The bill also establishes a wind and solar decommissioning account to manage funds from penalties and proceeds from the sale of assets secured by liens. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure responsible decommissioning of renewable energy facilities and protect the interests of landowners and the state.

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