SB544 Summary

• Establishes a comprehensive state energy policy promoting development of nonrenewable resources (natural gas, coal, oil), renewable resources (solar, wind, geothermal), nuclear power, and energy infrastructure while balancing market forces with energy conservation and environmental quality.

• Requires coal-powered electrical generation facility owners (project entities) to notify the Legislative Council at least 180 days before decommissioning facilities or disposing of assets, with notice including the intended date, facility description, and reasons for the action.

• Prohibits project entities from intentionally preventing functionality of existing coal-powered electrical generation facilities, but allows transitions to nuclear power, natural gas, hydrogen, or combination facilities.

• Requires qualified utilities (serving more than 200,000 retail customers) to inform the Attorney General's Office within 30 days of receiving notice of federal regulations that could force facility retirement, authorizing the Attorney General to take legal action to defend state electricity generation interests.

• Mandates the Department of Energy and Environment conduct a study by September 2024 evaluating environmental regulations, available technology, transmission capacity, economic opportunities, financial viability, and potential state ownership or public-private partnership options for continued coal facility operation.