Environment

passed both · Montana · House May 6, 2025

HJ 34: Resolution supporting Montana's beef producers

HJ 34 is a Joint Resolution from the Montana Legislature expressing strong support for Montana's beef producers, recognizing their vital role in the state's economy and culture. It calls on state and federal governments to prioritize policies that ensure fair market conditions, reduce regulatory burdens, and facilitate better trade relationships for Montana beef. The resolution encourages sustainable beef production practices and opposes federal or state proposals, such as those associated with the Green New Deal, that would impose excessive regulations or taxes on the industry. Additionally, it strongly opposes the promotion, production, and sale of lab-grown "meat" as a substitute for natural beef.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill opposes federal/state proposals (likely environmental regulations) and seeks to reduce regulatory burdens on beef producers, prioritizing industry over environmental protections.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

Track

signed · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 221: Generally revise the Montana environmental policy act

SB 221 revises the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by establishing new requirements for greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments during state agency environmental reviews. Under this bill, state agencies are mandated to conduct GHG assessments for proposed actions classified as "fossil fuel activities." For other proposed actions, agencies may conduct a GHG assessment if deemed necessary for MEPA compliance. The bill clarifies that these assessments are for informational purposes, and state agencies cannot regulate greenhouse gas emissions or deny permits based solely on these GHG assessments under MEPA. This affects Montana state agencies conducting environmental reviews and entities proposing fossil fuel-related projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates GHG assessments for fossil fuel projects under MEPA, advancing climate data collection for environmental reviews.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 330: Create auction or lottery licenses for antelope and swans

HB 330 creates a new system for issuing special hunting licenses for antelope and swans. Each year, the state commission may offer one antelope and one swan license through a competitive auction or lottery. Wildlife conservation organizations can be authorized to conduct these events, retaining a small portion of the proceeds to cover expenses. All remaining funds generated from these license sales will be used by the department specifically for the conservation and management of antelope and migratory game birds.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill dedicates auction/lottery proceeds to antelope/swan conservation management, directly funding environmental protection efforts per summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · House Apr 18, 2025

HB 58: Revise distributions mine remediation

HB 58 revises how state funds are distributed for environmental cleanup, specifically targeting abandoned mine sites and hazardous waste areas. The bill mandates a biennial transfer of $500,000 through June 2038 for long-term maintenance and water treatment at the CR Kendall mine reclamation site. It also extends the state's financial contribution for cleanup, operation, and maintenance at the Libby asbestos superfund site until June 2038. These provisions ensure continued funding for critical environmental remediation efforts managed by the Department of Environmental Quality.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates biennial $500k transfers for mine remediation and hazardous waste cleanup, ensuring long-term environmental protection at specific sites through sustained funding until 2038.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 365: Revise siltation structure capacity at mines

Senate Bill 365 revises the capacity requirements for siltation structures at strip and underground mines in Montana. The bill amends Section 82-4-231, MCA, which outlines the process for mine operators to submit and obtain approval for reclamation plans. It grants rulemaking authority to the relevant department to establish specific requirements for these structures. The changes aim to ensure effective water control measures are included in reclamation plans to prevent damages from soil erosion and water pollution.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill revises siltation structure requirements to prevent soil erosion and ensure effective water control, directly protecting water quality and preventing environmental damage.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · Senate Apr 18, 2025

SB 190: Allow water right holders to consent to waive adverse effects analysis in permit or change applications

SB 190 allows individuals or entities applying for new water use permits or changes to existing water rights to streamline their application process. This is achieved by enabling existing water right holders to voluntarily provide written consent. If consent is given, the applicant is no longer required to prove that their proposed water use will not negatively affect the specific consenting water rights. This change aims to simplify the permit approval process under certain conditions.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRemoves requirement to assess environmental impact of water use changes, weakening protections by bypassing adverse effects analysis for permit approvals.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · House Feb 28, 2025

HB 64: Repeal small business compliance assistance council

HB 64 repeals Montana's Small Business Compliance Assistance Advisory Council and removes its references from air quality regulations. The bill amends the duties of a small business stationary source representative, eliminating requirements for them to consult with the now-repealed council. This directly affects Montana small businesses subject to air quality regulations, as the council previously provided input on compliance challenges. The change streamlines the representative's role by removing council-related obligations while keeping their core responsibilities for assisting small businesses with regulatory compliance.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals council providing input on air quality compliance, removing support for small business adherence to environmental regulations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment