HB 291 Montana House · 2025 Regular Session

Revise laws related to air quality standards

HB 291 limits the ability of Montana's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and local air pollution control programs to set air quality standards stricter than federal requirements. The bill prohibits the DEQ from establishing emission levels or rules more stringent than federal Clean Air Act standards, with exceptions for existing requirements and areas that do not meet national ambient air quality standards. It also revises the process for the DEQ to adopt any rules more stringent than federal guidelines, now only allowing it through emergency rulemaking. Local air pollution control programs are similarly restricted from adopting more stringent rules without specific department approval.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Apr 2025
Senate Passage
Apr 2025
Signed into Law
May 2025
Introduced Jan 22, 2025 Signed May 5, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

HB0291_2(12).pdf HB0291_X.pdf · 5 edits
MODERATE
This bill limits the Montana Department of Environmental Quality's ability to adopt air quality standards that are more stringent than federal requirements, except in specific circumstances like nonattainment areas or when necessary for public health. It also clarifies the process for challenging local rules that exceed federal standards and requires written findings based on scientific evidence and cost analysis when stricter rules are adopted.
Scope change
The bill narrows the scope of state and local air pollution control authority by adding limitations on when stricter standards than federal requirements can be adopted, while maintaining exceptions for areas needing to meet federal air quality standards.
REQUIREMENT

Added restrictions preventing the department from setting emission limits more stringent than federal Clean Air Act standards, except in nonattainment areas or when required to meet national ambient air quality standards.

Required written findings based on peer-reviewed scientific studies and cost analysis when adopting rules more stringent than federal regulations, including protection of public health and achievability with current technology.

ENFORCEMENT

Created a petition process allowing affected parties to challenge department rules adopted before April 14, 1995, that exceed comparable federal regulations, with the department required to either revise the rule or follow a specific process within 6 months.

TIMELINE

Added a specific date reference (April 14, 1995) as a cutoff for when stricter state rules can be challenged under the new petition process.

DEFINITION

Clarified that the department may use widely recognized measuring systems for emission measurements.

Floor votes · Senate Apr 4, 2025 · House Feb 18, 2025

How they voted

3019
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Apr 4, 2025
D Democratic18
18 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican32
30 Yea 1 Nay 1
93% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
40
Key actions
9
Committee
6
May 1, 2025
Signed into law
(H) Signed by Governor
lower
Apr 22, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Signed by President
upper
Apr 18, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Signed by Speaker
lower
Apr 4, 2025
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (30-19-1)
senate
Mar 31, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Report - (S) Natural Resources
upper
Mar 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
(S) Committee Executive Action - (S) Natural Resources
upper
Mar 1, 2025
Committee
(S) Referred to Committee - (S) Natural Resources
upper
Feb 18, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (61-38-1)
house
Feb 10, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Report - (H) Natural Resources
lower
Feb 7, 2025
Lower · Passed
(H) Committee Executive Action - (H) Natural Resources
lower
Jan 23, 2025
Committee
(H) Referred to Committee - (H) Natural Resources
lower
Jan 22, 2025
Introduced
(H) Introduced
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Greg Oblander
Greg Oblander
RRepublican
MT
38