Bill > S1788

This bill establishes a formal process for the decommissioning of electric generating facilities that have been fueled by petroleum products, gas, or coal. It defines "decommissioning" as the permanent closure and discontinuation of electric power generation, including dismantling, demolition, removal of equipment, and site remediation to prepare for future reuse. The bill requires owners of such facilities to submit a conceptual decommissioning plan to the energy facility siting board (the "board") for review, which must include plans for environmental remediation, proper disposal of equipment, and a financial assurance mechanism to cover costs. Before actual decommissioning, a final decommissioning plan must be submitted to the board for approval, which includes a detailed environmental site assessment, a schedule for remedial actions, plans for dismantling and removal, a redevelopment plan for the site in consultation with local officials, and a commitment to make payments in lieu of taxes for at least five years post-decommissioning. The bill also grants the board the authority to approve, reject, or approve with conditions any petition to decommission a facility, and to enforce compliance with approved plans, while prohibiting owners from recovering decommissioning costs in rate proceedings.