House Bill No. [insert bill number] aims to enhance the regulatory authority of the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) by requiring the development of rules to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The bill emphasizes the negative impacts of greenhouse gases on public health, safety, welfare, and the environment, and it underscores the necessity for state action to mitigate these effects. The legislation amends Section 75-2-112 of the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) to explicitly mandate the DEQ to create rules aimed at protecting public health and the environment from greenhouse gas emissions.

In addition to the new requirement for greenhouse gas regulation, the bill also clarifies the DEQ's existing powers and responsibilities, including the authority to adopt, amend, and repeal rules for air quality management. The amendments include the insertion of language that directs the department to develop rules specifically for limiting greenhouse gas emissions, thereby reinforcing the state's commitment to addressing climate change and its associated risks. The bill also maintains provisions for the assessment of fees related to environmental impact analyses, ensuring that the DEQ has the necessary resources to implement these new regulations effectively.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-2-112
HB0660_1(1): 75-2-112
HB0660_1(2): 75-2-112
HB0660_1(3): 75-2-112
HB0660_1: 75-2-112