H.B. No. 3228 amends the Utilities Code to establish new requirements for lease agreements related to wind and solar power facilities in Texas. The bill introduces a definition for "Recycle," which refers to the processing of items to recover usable products. It expands the definitions of "Wind power facility" and "Solar power facility" to include additional components and support equipment, such as energy storage facilities. The bill mandates that agreements for both types of facilities must include provisions requiring the grantee to collect, reuse, or recycle components, including turbine blades and photovoltaic modules, and to dispose of non-recyclable components in compliance with state and federal laws.

Additionally, the bill stipulates that grantees must provide financial assurance to landowners, ensuring that the costs associated with the removal, recycling, or disposal of facility components are covered. This financial assurance must be based on estimates from independent, licensed engineers and must be updated regularly. The legislation applies only to agreements entered into after its effective date of September 1, 2025, while existing agreements will continue to be governed by the previous law.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Utilities Code 301.0001, Utilities Code 301.0003, Utilities Code 301.0004, Utilities Code 302.0001, Utilities Code 302.0004, Utilities Code 302.0005 (Utilities Code 302, Utilities Code 301)
House Committee Report: Utilities Code 301.0001, Utilities Code 301.0003, Utilities Code 301.0004, Utilities Code 302.0001, Utilities Code 302.0004, Utilities Code 302.0005 (Utilities Code 302, Utilities Code 301)
Engrossed: Utilities Code 301.0001, Utilities Code 301.0003, Utilities Code 301.0004, Utilities Code 302.0001, Utilities Code 302.0004, Utilities Code 302.0005 (Utilities Code 302, Utilities Code 301)
Senate Committee Report: Utilities Code 301.0001, Utilities Code 301.0003, Utilities Code 301.0004, Utilities Code 302.0001, Utilities Code 302.0004, Utilities Code 302.0005 (Utilities Code 302, Utilities Code 301)
Enrolled: Utilities Code 301.0001, Utilities Code 301.0003, Utilities Code 301.0004, Utilities Code 302.0001, Utilities Code 302.0004, Utilities Code 302.0005 (Utilities Code 302, Utilities Code 301)