HB2618 Summary

• Establishes decommissioning and site restoration standards for solar energy power plants (51+ kilowatts on vacant or agricultural land) and wind energy power plants subject to local land use or zoning permits.

• Requires solar and wind energy power plant owners to submit decommissioning and site restoration plans before permit approval, including cost estimates and financial assurance mechanisms such as bonds.

• Mandates owners maintain commercial general liability insurance, prohibits plant abandonment, and requires immediate notice to local governments if owner files for bankruptcy or becomes insolvent.

• Authorizes cities, towns, and counties to establish minimum standards for removal of above-ground and below-ground components, site restoration timelines, and grounds for local government to conduct decommissioning at owner's expense if requirements are not met.

• Exempts government entities and public service corporations regulated by the corporation commission from maintaining financial assurance bonds if they demonstrate financial capability through CFO certification or corporation commission approval respectively.