79-6-1107. Selection of facility operator.
(1) The council shall initiate the selection of an operator for a decommissioned asset by: issuing a request for proposals; and publishing the request for proposals on the Utah Public Notice Website created under Section. 63A-16-601
(2) The request for proposals shall specify that an entity must demonstrate: at least 10 years of experience operating coal-fired electrical generation facilities; a commitment to maintaining substantial operations within the state; financial capability to operate and maintain the facility; experience with similar coal types and specifications; proven capability to comply with state and federal environmental requirements; existing relationships with regional transmission organizations; ability to maintain reliable baseload power generation; experience with western coal markets and transportation; capability to retain the existing skilled workforce; and ability to integrate operations with existing transmission infrastructure.
(3) The council shall: allow at least 60 days for the submission of proposals; and establish or contract with a technical review committee to evaluate proposals.
(4) In evaluating proposals, the council shall consider: operational efficiency metrics from similar facilities; proposed operational cost structure; economic considerations; reliability and availability guarantees; environmental compliance history and plans; workplace safety record and plans; local economic benefit commitments; proposed timeline for assuming operations; and the long term power needs of the state and residents of the state.
(5) Nothing in this section: requires the council to select any proposal; or prevents the council from: rejecting all proposals; or terminating the request for proposals process.