NM HM37

Requests the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department to study costs associated with decommissioning solar and wind energy generation facilities and recommend financial assurance requirements for facility owners and operators

New Mexico currently has no statutory requirements for decommissioning solar and wind facilities, despite renewable energy comprising nearly 45% of in-state electricity generation and over 4,000 megawatts of solar installed

Decommissioning costs without financial assurance requirements could range from $30 million to $100 million per 1,000 megawatts of deployed capacity, with a 2025 report estimating potential $974 million in financial exposure for the state

Study goals include evaluating end-of-life facility retirement timing, estimating equipment removal and site restoration costs, assessing existing financial assurance options, and reviewing best practices from other states

Findings and recommendations are due to the appropriate interim legislative committee by November 1, 2026