This bill aims to clarify and enhance the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by introducing the concept of "categorical exclusions," which are defined as state actions that do not significantly impact the human environment and therefore do not require an environmental assessment or impact statement. The bill mandates that state agencies identify actions that qualify for these exclusions and provides a rebuttable presumption that extraordinary circumstances do not exist for such actions. Additionally, it amends Section 75-1-220 of the Montana Code Annotated to include a formal definition of "categorical exclusion," ensuring that state agencies have the authority to determine which actions can be exempted from MEPA requirements.

Furthermore, the bill exempts the Department of Administration from MEPA provisions when engaging in construction and maintenance activities on state land, as well as the Department of Commerce when administering historic preservation grants. These exemptions are intended to streamline processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for state projects. The bill also requires state agencies to track and report the use of categorical exclusions to the Environmental Quality Council, promoting transparency and accountability in the implementation of these exemptions.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-1-220
HB0466_1(1): 75-1-220
HB0466_1(2): 75-1-220
HB0466_1(3): 75-1-220
HB0466_1(4): 75-1-220
HB0466_1(5): 75-1-220
HB0466_1: 75-1-220
HB0466_2(1): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(10): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(11): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(2): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(3): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(4): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(5): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(6): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(7): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(8): 75-1-220
HB0466_2(9): 75-1-220
HB0466_2: 75-1-220
HB0466_X(1): 75-1-220
HB0466_X(2): 75-1-220
HB0466_X(3): 75-1-220
HB0466_X(4): 75-1-220
HB0466_X(5): 75-1-220
HB0466_X: 75-1-220