GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2017

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 319

Short Title:      Study Solar Facility Decommissioning Rqmts.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representative Dixon. For a complete list of sponsors, refer to the North Carolina General Assembly web site.
Referred to:	Environment, if favorable, Energy and Public Utilities

March 13, 2017

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to require the environmental review commission to study matters associated with the decommissioning of utility‑scale solar projects.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1. The Environmental Review Commission shall study matters related to the decommissioning of utility‑scale solar projects. The study shall include, at a minimum, analysis of all of the following matters:

(1)        The need for performance bonding to ensure proper decommissioning and closure of existing or future‑built solar facilities.

(2)        Whether or not any materials used in utility‑scale solar projects, including solar panels and the constituent materials thereof, could be classified as hazardous material.

(3)        Whether or not solar panels, including all of the constituent materials thereof, can be safely disposed of in landfills.

(4)        The economic feasibility and availability of recycling solar panels.

(5)        Whether or not the land upon which an utility‑scale solar project is constructed could be economically placed back into use for agriculture crop production after cessation of the activities of an utility‑scale solar project.

(6)        The data‑based expected economically productive life cycle of various types of solar panels currently in use.

For purposes of this section, the term "utility‑scale solar project" means a ground‑mounted photovoltaic (PV), concentrating photovoltaic (CPV), or concentrating solar power (CSP or solar thermal) project directly connected to the electrical transmission grid for sale to wholesale customers. The term includes the solar arrays, accessory buildings, transmission facilities, and any other infrastructure necessary for the operation of the project. The Environmental Review Commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals, to the 2018 Regular Session of the 2017 General Assembly upon its convening.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.