Environment

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 Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 466: Provide categorical exclusions from MEPA

House Bill 466 amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by formally defining and allowing state agencies to identify "categorical exclusions." These exclusions are actions determined to have no significant impact on the human environment and are therefore exempt from requiring an environmental analysis or impact statement. The bill also provides specific exemptions from MEPA review for activities such as building construction by the Department of Administration and historic preservation grants by the Department of Commerce. State agencies are required to track and report their use of these categorical exclusions.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill exempts state agency actions from MEPA environmental review, reducing regulatory oversight and weakening environmental protection requirements.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 285: Generally revise Montana environmental policy act

HB 285 revises the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), clarifying its purpose and impact on state agency actions and permitting decisions. The bill specifies that MEPA is a procedural law designed to provide information to the public and decision-makers, not to grant additional regulatory authority to state agencies. It also shifts the burden of proof for those challenging licensing or permitting decisions, requiring them to establish the unconstitutionality of the underlying statute. Furthermore, legal challenges must now be filed in the county where the proposed activity is located.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill clarifies MEPA as procedural only (not regulatory), removes agency regulatory authority, and shifts burden of proof to challengers, weakening environmental review and permitting challenges.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ 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 Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 664: Repeal numeric nutrient standards

This bill revises Montana's water quality standards by repealing the existing numeric nutrient standards. It directs the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to remove all references to these standards from administrative rules and repeal the specific circular (DEQ-12A) that established them. The bill aims to address the previous standards, which were described as unachievable and burdensome for entities like Montana's municipal wastewater treatment systems. Additionally, it requires the DEQ to update related guidance and policies and eliminates the Nutrient Work Group.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentRepeals numeric nutrient standards for water quality, removing regulatory limits on pollutants. Described as 'unachievable and burdensome,' indicating intent to weaken environmental protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

signed · Montana · House May 5, 2025

HB 291: 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.

Topics ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prohibits Montana DEQ from setting air quality standards stricter than federal Clean Air Act, weakening state environmental protections by restricting regulatory authority.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Environment

vetoed · Montana · House May 1, 2025

HB 477: Phase out polystyrene single use food containers (with exceptions)

House Bill 477 aimed to phase out the use of expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, in food-related businesses. Beginning in 2028, it would have prohibited restaurants and food establishments from serving food or beverages in these containers for on-premises consumption. By 2029, this prohibition would extend to packaging prepared food by restaurants, hotels, and resorts, and by 2030, food packagers would be restricted from using them. Businesses could apply to the Department of Environmental Quality for exemptions if compliance caused undue hardship or if no acceptable alternatives were available, with the department authorized to charge a fee for such applications.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhasing out polystyrene containers reduces plastic pollution and aligns with environmental protection goals, directly addressing waste management and conservation.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Environment

Track

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 Yes ✓ Supports Environment

signed · Montana · House Apr 18, 2025

HB 127: Revise laws related to the fire suppression account

HB 127 revises laws related to Montana's fire suppression account, which funds various activities like fire suppression costs, fuel reduction, and forest restoration. The bill removes a specific date reference, making an annual statutory appropriation for fire preparedness an ongoing allocation from the account. It also establishes new reporting requirements, mandating that the Department of Natural Resources and Conservation (DNRC) submit annual expenditure reports to a legislative committee. These changes affect the DNRC's financial management and legislative oversight of funds used for fire-related activities.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds forest restoration and fire suppression activities, supporting conservation efforts through ongoing appropriations and reporting requirements.85% 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 Yes ✓ Supports Environment