The bill aims to clarify and streamline the implementation of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) by introducing the concept of "categorical exclusions." It allows state agencies to identify actions that do not significantly impact the human environment and exempt them from the environmental review process outlined in Title 75, chapter 1, parts 1 and 2. The bill includes provisions for the Department of Administration and the Department of Commerce, granting them exemptions from environmental review for specific activities related to building construction and historic preservation grants, respectively. Additionally, it mandates that state agencies track and report the use of categorical exclusions to the Environmental Quality Council.

Key amendments to existing law include the definition of "categorical exclusion," which is now specified to mean actions that do not require an environmental analysis or impact statement unless extraordinary circumstances exist. The bill also emphasizes that existing exemptions from environmental review remain intact and that state agencies retain their authority to adopt categorical exclusions through rulemaking. The effective date of the bill is upon passage and approval, and it includes a severability clause to ensure that if any part of the act is invalidated, the remaining provisions will still be enforceable.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-1-220