MT SB160

Requires wind and solar facility owners to submit decommissioning plans and bonds to the Department of Environmental Quality before construction begins, rather than within 12-15 months after commercial operation starts under current law

Sets the final decommissioning bond amount at 125% of the initial calculated bond, which must account for site characteristics, current market salvage value determined by an independent evaluator, and estimated contracting, equipment, and personnel costs

Mandates decommissioning begin within 12 months of abandonment or end of useful life, with completion required within 24 months, including full removal of all equipment, underground cabling, foundations, and restoration of topsoil to pre-construction conditions

Requires the department to review each decommissioning plan and bond amount annually and may increase bond amounts if facility expands or costs rise due to inflation, with owners given 90 days to comply after written notice

Establishes administrative penalties of up to $1,500 initially plus $1,500 per day for failure to submit required decommissioning bonds, with an effective date of January 1, 2026