Technically renumbered to avoid duplication of newly enacted code also in HB0249, Chapter 375.

1. (1) The council shall initiate the selection of an operator for a decommissioned asset by:

   1. (a) issuing a request for proposals; and
   2. (b) publishing the request for proposals on the Utah Public Notice Website created under Section 63A-16-601.

2. (2) The request for proposals shall specify that an entity must demonstrate:

   1. (a) at least 10 years of experience operating coal-fired electrical generation facilities;
   2. (b) a commitment to maintaining substantial operations within the state;
   3. (c) financial capability to operate and maintain the facility;
   4. (d) experience with similar coal types and specifications;
   5. (e) proven capability to comply with state and federal environmental requirements;
   6. (f) existing relationships with regional transmission organizations;
   7. (g) ability to maintain reliable baseload power generation;
   8. (h) experience with western coal markets and transportation;
   9. (i) capability to retain the existing skilled workforce; and
   10. (j) ability to integrate operations with existing transmission infrastructure.

3. (3) The council shall:

   1. (a) allow at least 60 days for the submission of proposals; and
   2. (b) establish or contract with a technical review committee to evaluate proposals.

4. (4) In evaluating proposals, the council shall consider:

   1. (a) operational efficiency metrics from similar facilities;
   2. (b) proposed operational cost structure;
   3. (c) economic considerations;
   4. (d) reliability and availability guarantees;
   5. (e) environmental compliance history and plans;
   6. (f) workplace safety record and plans;
   7. (g) local economic benefit commitments;
   8. (h) proposed timeline for assuming operations; and
   9. (i) the long term power needs of the state and residents of the state.

5. (5) Nothing in this section:

   1. (a) requires the council to select any proposal; or

   2. (b) prevents the council from:

      1. (i) rejecting all proposals; or
      2. (ii) terminating the request for proposals process.

Enacted by Chapter 120, 2025 General Session