The bill establishes new requirements for public utilities in Wyoming regarding the management of coal-fired electric generation facilities, specifically focusing on carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) technology. It mandates that utilities must first attempt to sell these facilities for continued operation with carbon capture capabilities before retiring them. The Department of Environmental Quality is tasked with conducting studies to determine reclamation and decommissioning obligations for each facility, ensuring these do not impede potential sales. Additionally, the public service commission is granted authority to define output reductions and modify operational percentages based on the facility's carbon capture potential.

The legislation also introduces bonding requirements to cover decommissioning and cleanup costs, protecting current and future customers from financial burdens. It outlines penalties for carbon capture customers who fail to purchase or vent carbon dioxide stream byproducts and emphasizes the need for power purchase agreements to safeguard public utility customers during facility sales. The bill clarifies that certain provisions do not apply to municipal or cooperative utilities and requires the Office of Consumer Advocate to study potential rate reductions for customers if utilities do not capitalize on carbon dioxide sales. Reports from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Office of Consumer Advocate will be submitted to interim committees, ensuring transparency and public access to findings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 37-1-101, 37-2-133, 37-2-134, 37-3-117