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ND

Bill

HB 31

Revise wind and solar facility decommissioning

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Neil Duram

Montana law now establishes binding decommissioning standards for wind and solar facilities, requiring operators to remove infrastructure and restore land at end-of-life.

Chapter Number Assigned
#energy #environmentalprotection
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Bill Summary · HB 31

Legislative bill overview

HB 31 revises Montana's requirements for decommissioning wind and solar energy facilities, establishing new standards for how operators must remove infrastructure and restore land after these facilities cease operations. The bill has been signed into law as of May 12, 2025, and now defines the obligations renewable energy developers must meet at the end of facility lifecycles.

Why is this important

Renewable energy facilities occupy substantial land areas and can create environmental and safety concerns if not properly removed. Clear decommissioning standards protect landowners and communities from being left with abandoned infrastructure while providing certainty to energy developers about their long-term obligations, which affects project financing and feasibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost allocation: Disagreement over whether decommissioning costs should fall entirely on operators, be shared with landowners, or receive public subsidies
  • Restoration standards: Disputes over how thoroughly land must be restored (e.g., removal of all concrete foundations versus partial remediation) and what constitutes adequate restoration
  • Financial assurance requirements: Debate over whether operators must post bonds or insurance upfront to guarantee decommissioning funds are available, potentially increasing project costs

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

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