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HB 3073

Requires an owner of a utility-scale solar project to provide a proper decommissioning plan to DNR along with financial assurances prior to starting energy production

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rudy Veit

Missouri HB 3073 requires utility-scale solar project owners to submit a decommissioning plan and provide financial assurances to the DNR before any energy production begins.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)
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Bill Summary · HB 3073

Summary of HB 3073 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

HB 3073 requires owners of utility-scale solar projects to provide the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) with a decommissioning plan and sufficient financial assurances before beginning energy production. The bill aims to ensure that large-scale solar facilities are responsibly decommissioned at the end of their life or if project operations cease, protecting environmental resources and public funds.

Key provisions

  • Decommissioning plan requirement: Before a utility-scale solar project can commence energy production, the project owner must submit a detailed decommissioning plan to the DNR. The plan should specify methods, processes, timelines, and responsibilities for removing solar facilities, equipment, and related infrastructure at the end of the project’s life or in the event of cessation.
  • Financial assurances: The bill obligates the project owner to provide financial assurances to the DNR to cover the costs of decommissioning. This typically implies a mechanism such as a bond, escrow, letter of credit, or other funding arrangements sufficient to cover estimated decommissioning expenses.
  • DNR involvement: The DNR is the designated agency to review and approve the decommissioning plan and to verify that the provided financial assurances are adequate and enforceable.
  • Pre-production safeguards: No energy production would be permitted to begin until both the decommissioning plan is submitted (and presumably approved) and adequate financial assurances are in place.

Affected parties

  • Owners/developers of utility-scale solar projects in Missouri, who must prepare and submit the decommissioning plan and secure financial assurances.
  • Missouri DNR, which assumes the role of reviewing plans, approving assurances, and ensuring ongoing compliance.
  • Taxpayers and public resources potentially protected by ensuring that decommissioning costs are funded by project owners rather than borne by state or local governments.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and first reading: HB 3073 was introduced and read for the first time on January 22, 2026.
  • Second reading: The bill reached second reading on January 27, 2026.
  • Referral to committee: On May 15, 2026, the bill was referred to the Emerging Issues(H) committee, which suggests consideration by a cross-cutting or topical issues panel.
  • Implementation expectation: The bill requires decommissioning planning and funding before any energy production starts, implying a pre-production compliance milestone that must be completed during the project permitting process.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Project lifecycle risk management: Establishes a formal mechanism to ensure decommissioning is planned and funded upfront, reducing the risk of abandoned or unfinished facilities.
  • Financial burden on developers: Imposes upfront or escrowing costs to secure decommissioning, which could influence project economics and financing.
  • Environmental protection: Addresses potential environmental and land-use impacts associated with decommissioned solar sites, including soil restoration, reclamation of infrastructure, and wildlife considerations.
  • Regulatory certainty: Provides a clear framework for the DNR to oversee decommissioning readiness, potentially reducing future regulatory disputes.

Note: This summary reflects the bill’s stated provisions and procedural status as of the listed actions. For enactment status, exact decommissioning standards, and acceptable forms of financial assurance, consult the official bill text and Missouri legislative materials.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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