CSHB 349(RES) - Renewable Energy Project Feasibility Licenses and Leases

• Establishes a feasibility license program allowing the commissioner to issue licenses for up to 10 years to explore state land for renewable energy projects, with a maximum of 500,000 acres per license and 2,000,000 acres per licensee at any one time.

• Requires feasibility licensees to complete specified work commitments (minimum 25% by year 4) expressed in direct dollar expenditures and maintain annual bonds covering demolition, removal, and restoration costs including remediation of contamination.

• Allows licensees meeting work commitments to convert feasibility licenses into renewable energy leases designed to maximize state revenue, with compensation separately accounted for and available for legislative appropriation.

• Maintains public access and hunting/fishing rights on licensed land and permits concurrent mineral exploration and development that does not interfere with feasibility evaluation.

• Defines "renewable energy project" as indoor or outdoor facilities using solar, water, or wind power that naturally replenish within 100 years and minimizes toxic output; establishes licensing procedures including public notice, competitive bidding for multiple proposals, and annual reporting requirements to the legislature.