Environment (Air Quality)

This bill exempts state and local building departments from conducting greenhouse gas emissions analyses for certain appliances, vehicles, and engines under Montana's environmental review process. The exemption applies to products regulated by federal laws that preempt state authority, such as those governed by the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy and Conservation Act, as well as emissions originating outside Montana's borders. By removing these specific sources from environmental review requirements, the bill clarifies that state agencies do not need to assess greenhouse gas impacts for items where federal law already establishes national standards. The legislation also provides instructions for codifying these exemptions into existing state environmental statutes.

LC 3975 was a legislative draft titled "Provide exemption from air quality requirements on controlled burns." Based solely on its title, the bill aimed to create an exception for controlled burns from existing air quality regulations, which would directly affect individuals and entities conducting such burns. However, the draft bill died in process and its specific provisions are not detailed in the provided information.

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duties of a small business stationary source representative, eliminating requirements for them to consult with the now-repealed council.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.

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.