Environment (Water Quality)

This bill (LC 1855) aimed to update state water quality standards laws but was never enacted. It would have revised rules governing pollutants in waterways, directly affecting water regulators, industries discharging wastewater, and communities relying on clean water sources. The proposed changes included modernizing testing methods and setting updated limits for contaminants. However, the draft was placed on hold and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025, meaning no policy changes were implemented.

This bill (LC 2611) intended to establish specific criteria for awarding state grants and loans to support renewable energy projects. It would have directly affected renewable energy developers and applicants seeking state funding by defining eligibility requirements and application processes. However, the bill was assigned to a drafter in December 2024, placed on hold, and ultimately died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025, without becoming law. Therefore, no criteria were ever implemented.

This joint resolution requests an interim study on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and their impact on water quality in Montana. The study, to be conducted by a legislative committee or staff, will review existing state and federal water quality laws and analyze research on the health effects of EDCs. It also aims to determine the prevalence of these chemicals in Montana. The study will offer recommendations for future legislative or regulatory changes, with final results reported to the 70th Legislature by September 15, 2026.

HB 736 establishes a system for nutrient pollutant loading offsets for facilities holding water quality discharge permits. It allows these permitted dischargers to meet their nutrient discharge limits by reducing nutrient pollution from other sources within the same watershed, including both direct discharge points and diffuse sources. The bill specifies varying offset percentages based on the type and location of the pollution reduction. It directs the state's environmental department to establish statewide offset values for various nonpoint pollution reduction projects, such as riparian fencing or wetlands development, and to amend existing policies to implement these provisions.