Bill > SB559

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for appealing permit decisions made by Montana's Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) across various environmental regulatory areas, including air quality, water quality, and mining permits. The bill establishes a standardized process where any person whose interests might be adversely affected by a DEQ permit approval or denial can request a hearing before the board or a district court by submitting a written request and a $100 filing fee within 30 days of the department's decision. For judicial reviews, the petition must be filed in the county where the proposed activity will occur, and for projects with a cost exceeding $1 million, these permit challenges will take precedence over other civil cases. The bill also specifies that contested case provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act will apply to board hearings, and requires that the petition for judicial review include the permit holder or applicant unless they agree otherwise. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to streamline and clarify the appeal process for different types of environmental permits, ensuring a more consistent and transparent approach to challenging DEQ permit decisions across various environmental regulatory domains.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC0648