The bill mandates that operators of coal-fired generating units must ensure perpetual access to water for the cities or towns where these units are located. This requirement is aimed at safeguarding the water supply for residential and commercial use, particularly in the event that a coal-fired generating unit closes or retires. Additionally, if the operator owns or operates a conveyance necessary for maintaining a public water supply system, they are responsible for its operation and ensuring access to the water supply until any contamination from the coal-fired unit meets the cleanup criteria established by the Department of Environmental Quality.

The bill also revises definitions and clarifies financial assurance requirements related to water supply and remediation actions. Specifically, it amends existing sections of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to include compliance with remedial actions and to ensure that financial assurance is provided for maintaining the necessary water supply for local governments associated with coal-fired generating units for up to 30 years after final remediation. The bill emphasizes the importance of community acceptance in selecting remedial actions and allows for exemptions from certain state or local permits under specific conditions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-8-103, 75-10-721
HB0368_1(1): 75-8-103, 75-10-721
HB0368_1: 75-8-103, 75-10-721