Sponsor seeks decommissioning deposit for wind projects to guarantee cleanup

Representative Kevin Andrus introduced RS 32,183 to require wind‑project owners to obtain an estimate of the cost to remove turbines and restore sites and to remit a cash decommissioning deposit to the state treasurer equal to that estimate.

"What this bill does is before a windmill can go in ... they have to go and find a company to give them a quote of how much it will cost to remove all the windmills, return the land to its previous state, and whatever that quote is, they have to put that amount of money in a fund at the treasurer's office," Andrus told the committee.

Members raised practical questions. Representative Tigert asked why the bill requires a cash deposit with the treasurer rather than a surety bond; Representative Barbieri asked how inflation over a multi‑decade project life would be addressed and whether principals could provide guarantees if the deposit proved insufficient. Representative Boyle and others questioned who determines the deposit amount; the bill text was read as saying the Department of Lands would determine the deposit amount "to be equal to the reasonably anticipated cost of fully decommissioning," though Andrus said the bill contemplates an owner‑funded outside inspection and estimate.

Representative Keeley moved to introduce RS 32,183. The committee approved the motion on a voice vote. Members noted the cash deposit could earn interest over time and suggested the committee could consider additional protections—indexed amounts, performance guarantees, or periodic revaluation—to address long‑term inflation and corporate insolvency.

Andrus also said the bill would apply to wind projects on federal land. The committee introduced the measure for further consideration.