Bill > HB808

This bill creates the Montana Brownfields Revitalization Act to address abandoned, contaminated, or underutilized properties across the state that are difficult to redevelop due to environmental pollution. The bill establishes a brownfields site redevelopment fund to support environmental assessment, cleanup, and redevelopment of sites with petroleum or hazardous substance contamination. It defines key terms such as "brownfield site" and "eligible entity," and outlines a process for determining whether a site is eligible for federal brownfields funding. The legislation provides the Department of Environmental Quality with authority to assess sites, determine responsible party viability, and approve remediation plans. The fund can be used for investigation, cleanup, demolition, contaminant abatement, and underground tank removal at eligible sites. The bill aims to strengthen communities by promoting economic development, returning blighted properties to productive use, and reducing threats to human health and the environment. The legislation repeals the previous Montana Petroleum Brownfields Revitalization Act and includes a transfer of $200,000 from the general fund to the new brownfields site redevelopment fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC1834