Sec. 16. (a) Subject to subsection (b), and except as otherwise allowed by IC 36-7-4-1109, a project owner may not install or locate a wind power device in a unit unless the project owner submits to the permit authority a decommissioning and site restoration plan, and posts a surety bond, or an equivalent means of security acceptable to the permit authority, including a parent company guarantee or an irrevocable letter of credit, but excluding cash, in an amount equal to the estimated cost of decommissioning the wind power device, as calculated by a third party licensed or registered engineer, or by another person with suitable experience in the decommissioning of wind power devices, as agreed upon by the project owner and the permit authority. The required bond or other security shall be posted in increments such that the total amount of the bond or security posted is as follows:

(1) An amount equal to twenty-five percent (25%) of the total estimated decommissioning costs not later than the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation. For purposes of this subdivision, the total estimated decommissioning costs shall be reevaluated by a third party licensed or registered engineer (or by another person with suitable experience in the decommissioning of wind power devices, as agreed upon by the project owner and the permit authority) in connection with the:

(A) fifth anniversary; and

(B) tenth anniversary;

of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation, and the total amount of the bond or security posted under this subdivision shall be adjusted as necessary after each reevaluation.

(2) An amount equal to fifty percent (50%) of the total estimated decommissioning costs not later than the fifteenth anniversary of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation. For purposes of this subdivision, the total estimated decommissioning costs shall be reevaluated by a third party licensed or registered engineer (or by another person with suitable experience in the decommissioning of wind power devices, as agreed upon by the project owner and the permit authority) in connection with the fifteenth anniversary of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation, and the total amount of the bond or security posted under this subdivision shall be adjusted as necessary after the reevaluation.

(3) An amount equal to one hundred percent (100%) of the total estimated decommissioning costs not later than the twentieth anniversary of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation. For purposes of this subdivision, the total estimated decommissioning costs shall be reevaluated by a third party licensed or registered engineer (or by another person with suitable experience in the decommissioning of wind power devices, as agreed upon by the project owner and the permit authority):

(A) in connection with the twentieth anniversary of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation; and

(B) at least once every succeeding five (5) year period after the twentieth anniversary of the start date of the wind power device’s full commercial operation;

and the total amount of the bond or security posted under this subdivision shall be adjusted as necessary after each reevaluation.

     (b) For purposes of this section, the estimated cost of decommissioning a wind power device, as calculated by a licensed or registered professional engineer (or by another person with suitable experience in the decommissioning of wind power devices, as agreed upon by the project owner and the permit authority), shall be net of any estimated salvage value attributable to the wind power device at the time of decommissioning, unless the unit and the project owner agree to include any such value in the estimated cost.

As added by P.L.90-2022, SEC.1.