Bill > HB703

This bill exempts certain Montana state agencies and local building departments from conducting environmental reviews and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions analyses for specific products and sources. Specifically, the bill prevents departments from being required to analyze GHG emissions from covered appliances (as defined by federal law), motor vehicles, motor vehicle engines, nonroad engines, and vehicles, particularly for sources not subject to state enforcement and for emissions beyond the state's borders. The bill's rationale is based on several federal preemption arguments, including the Clean Air Act and Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which limit state-level regulation of energy and emissions. By citing recent court cases, the bill argues that federal statutes already comprehensively regulate these emissions sources, making state-level analysis unnecessary. The legislation aims to modify existing environmental review requirements under Montana's Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), effectively narrowing the scope of environmental impact assessments for state and local agencies by excluding certain types of emissions and sources from mandatory review.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC2339