S568 Summary

• Requires owners and operators of utility-scale solar projects and wind energy facilities to properly decommission and reclaim properties within two years of cessation of activities, including removal of all equipment, cables, fencing, and foundations to at least three feet below ground level.

• Mandates establishment of financial assurance acceptable to the Department to cover decommissioning costs, with a $3,500 fee for solar projects and maintenance of financial assurance throughout facility operation.

• Establishes manufacturer stewardship programs requiring photovoltaic module and energy storage system battery manufacturers to register, submit approved recycling plans, and finance takeback and recycling of end-of-life products at no cost to consumers by July 1, 2022.

• Prohibits disposal of photovoltaic modules and energy storage system batteries in landfills or incinerators, requiring recycling through certified recyclers adhering to Responsible Recycling (R2) or e-Stewards standards.

• Effective dates: solar and wind decommissioning requirements take effect September 1, 2019 (financial assurance August 1, 2021); photovoltaic module and battery recycling requirements become effective July 1, 2022, with Department rule adoption required by July 1, 2021.