Environment

died · Montana · Legislature May 27, 2025

LC 2864: Generally revise laws around environmental social governance credit scores

This bill (LC 2864) aimed to revise state laws governing how environmental and social performance metrics are used in credit scoring systems. It would have directly affected businesses and financial institutions using these metrics for lending or investment decisions. The proposed changes included standardizing definitions, establishing reporting requirements, and creating oversight mechanisms for ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) credit assessments. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 27, 2025, and never became law.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStandardizes ESG metrics in credit scoring with oversight, strengthening environmental considerations in financial decisions for businesses.90% confidence

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signed · Montana · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 221: Generally revise the Montana environmental policy act

SB 221 revises the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by establishing new requirements for greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments during state agency environmental reviews. Under this bill, state agencies are mandated to conduct GHG assessments for proposed actions classified as "fossil fuel activities." For other proposed actions, agencies may conduct a GHG assessment if deemed necessary for MEPA compliance. The bill clarifies that these assessments are for informational purposes, and state agencies cannot regulate greenhouse gas emissions or deny permits based solely on these GHG assessments under MEPA. This affects Montana state agencies conducting environmental reviews and entities proposing fossil fuel-related projects.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates GHG assessments for fossil fuel projects under MEPA, advancing climate data collection for environmental reviews.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

passed both · Montana · House May 6, 2025

HJ 44: Interim study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and water quality

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill initiates study on EDCs in water to inform regulatory improvements, aligning with environmental protection goals through research and potential policy changes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

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signed · Montana · House May 13, 2025

HB 736: Provide nutrient pollutant loading offsets

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.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentEstablishes system enabling nutrient pollution reduction via offsets, directly targeting water quality protection and pollution control within watersheds.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Water Quality

died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HB 660: Require rules to limit GHG emissions

HB 660, titled "Require rules to limit GHG emissions," would have mandated the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to develop specific rules for limiting greenhouse gas emissions. This bill sought to amend existing state law (Section 75-2-112, MCA) by requiring the DEQ to create regulations to protect public health, safety, welfare, and the environment from these emissions. The legislation directly affects the DEQ by expanding its regulatory responsibilities to include greenhouse gases.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates DEQ to create rules limiting GHG emissions, directly advancing environmental protection and reducing fossil fuel dependence in energy policy.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentMandates DEQ to develop rules limiting GHG emissions, directly strengthening environmental regulations to protect public health and environment per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Climate Change

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vetoed · Montana · House May 1, 2025

HB 477: Phase out polystyrene single use food containers (with exceptions)

House Bill 477 aimed to phase out the use of expanded polystyrene foam, commonly known as Styrofoam, in food-related businesses. Beginning in 2028, it would have prohibited restaurants and food establishments from serving food or beverages in these containers for on-premises consumption. By 2029, this prohibition would extend to packaging prepared food by restaurants, hotels, and resorts, and by 2030, food packagers would be restricted from using them. Businesses could apply to the Department of Environmental Quality for exemptions if compliance caused undue hardship or if no acceptable alternatives were available, with the department authorized to charge a fee for such applications.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPhasing out polystyrene containers reduces plastic pollution and aligns with environmental protection goals, directly addressing waste management and conservation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling

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died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 304: Revise Montana lakeshore laws

SB 304 revises Montana's Lakeshore Protection Act to strengthen oversight of development near lakes. It directly affects landowners, developers, and contractors working within 20 feet of a lake's mean high-water elevation. Key provisions include requiring stop-work orders for unauthorized construction, mandating financial guarantees (surety bonds) for permits, updating penalties for violations (up to $10,000 fines or 180-day work pauses for repeat offenses), and allowing local governments to place liens on property to cover cleanup costs and fines. The bill also clarifies definitions, such as requiring lakes to be at least 160 acres and navigable by small boats, to determine which water bodies are protected.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentStrengthens lakeshore protection with stricter development oversight, financial guarantees, and increased penalties for violations, directly advancing environmental conservation.95% confidence

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died · Montana · House May 20, 2025

HJ 39: Joint resolution protecting public lands.

House Joint Resolution 39 is a legislative statement from the Montana Legislature concerning public lands. The resolution supports keeping national public lands under the stewardship of the United States government and federal land management agencies. It expresses opposition to any efforts to sell, transfer, or dispose of national or state public lands. The resolution also encourages Montana's Governor, Attorney General, and Congressional Delegation to oppose future attempts to sell, transfer, or dispose of national public lands.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentOpposes land disposal, supporting federal stewardship of public lands for conservation and wildlife protection, directly advancing environmental resource management.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Public Lands

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signed · Montana · House May 19, 2025

HB 932: Generally revise conservation financing laws

House Bill 932 revises laws related to funding for conservation efforts, primarily by reallocating a portion of the state's marijuana tax revenue. The bill establishes a new Habitat Legacy Account, which receives 20% of the net balance from the Marijuana State Special Revenue Account after an initial transfer. Funds from this Habitat Legacy Account are then distributed into three other new accounts. These accounts are dedicated to securing wildlife habitat, funding wildlife improvement projects, and supporting the design and construction of big game and wildlife highway crossings to enhance animal movement and safety. The Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks is responsible for administering these new accounts.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill creates Habitat Legacy Account using marijuana tax revenue to fund wildlife habitat conservation and improvement projects, directly advancing environmental protection through dedicated funding streams.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation Wildlife

died · Montana · Senate May 23, 2025

SB 541: Create a pollinator health task force

SB 541 creates a 14-member Pollinator Health Task Force in Montana, including representatives from agriculture, conservation, tribes, beekeeping, and state agencies. The task force must develop a state strategy focused on protecting pollinators through research, public education, habitat expansion, and recommendations for agencies and landowners. It requires a final report to the legislature by the 70th session, detailing specific actions like pest management, native plant promotion, and communication plans between beekeepers and pesticide users. The bill appropriates $50,000 from the general fund for task force costs during the 2025-2027 biennium and terminates December 31, 2026. This directly affects Montana's agricultural industries, beekeepers, landowners, and conservation efforts reliant on pollinators.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates task force to protect pollinators through habitat expansion, native plant promotion, and conservation strategies, directly advancing environmental protection goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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