Bill > HB0070

This bill establishes a new Utah Energy Council to manage the transition and potential future operation of decommissioned electrical generation facilities, particularly focusing on coal-powered plants. The bill requires project entities (power companies) to provide at least 180 days' notice before decommissioning or disposing of assets, and mandates that they maintain critical infrastructure like interconnection equipment and at least one operational coal-powered generating unit. The bill introduces new definitions for terms like "critical switchyard equipment" and "interconnection" and creates a formal process for selecting an operator for decommissioned assets. The Utah Energy Council will be responsible for developing a strategic plan for decommissioned assets, making energy policy recommendations, entering into contracts, and reporting annually to legislative committees. The council must select an operator through a comprehensive proposal process that evaluates factors such as operational experience, financial capability, environmental compliance, and local economic benefits. The bill also amends existing air quality permitting processes to provide more flexibility for transitioning electrical generation facilities to new technologies like natural gas and hydrogen, while ensuring continued reliability and compliance with environmental regulations.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://le.utah.gov/~2025/bills/static/HB0070.html