The 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 unless extraordinary circumstances exist. This definition is codified in Section 75-1-220, MCA, which is amended to include the new language that specifies the criteria for determining a categorical exclusion. Additionally, the bill provides state agencies with the authority to identify such actions and exempts them from certain provisions of MEPA, streamlining the process for actions deemed to have minimal environmental impact.

Furthermore, the bill exempts the Department of Administration from MEPA provisions when carrying out construction and maintenance on state land, as well as the Department of Commerce when administering historic preservation grants. These exemptions are intended to facilitate the efficient execution of state projects and programs without the delays associated with environmental reviews. The bill also mandates that state agencies track and report the use of categorical exclusions to the Environmental Quality Council, ensuring transparency and accountability in the application 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