The bill aims to clarify bonding requirements for wind and solar generation facilities in Montana, introducing a decommissioning lien to ensure compliance with decommissioning obligations. Key amendments include the requirement for facility owners to notify the department within 90 days of commencing construction and to submit a decommissioning bond based on the facility's operational timeline. The bond amount is set at 100% of the estimated decommissioning costs, and specific timelines for bond submission are established depending on when the facility commenced commercial operation. Additionally, the bill outlines penalties for failure to submit the required bond and allows for appeals against penalties.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a decommissioning account funded by penalties and proceeds from the sale of assets secured by liens on facilities that have been liquidated. The department is granted authority to file liens on generation assets if a facility has not submitted a bond or has been abandoned, and it may take necessary actions to decommission the facility if the owner fails to do so. The bill is effective immediately upon passage and approval, ensuring that the new requirements are implemented without delay.

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