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