The bill amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to enhance the environmental review process by revising sections 75-1-102 and 75-1-201. It emphasizes the necessity for thorough environmental assessments and impact statements while clarifying that the MEPA does not grant state agencies additional regulatory authority unless an applicant agrees to incorporate specific measures into a permit. The bill also introduces new provisions for judicial challenges, stipulating that such challenges can only be made against final agency actions and must focus on issues previously raised in formal comments. If a court finds noncompliance with MEPA, it may remand the case to the agency for correction, and stringent criteria for injunctive relief are established.

Additionally, the bill allows individuals or entities seeking permits to intervene in lawsuits against state agency decisions if they are not named as defendants and prohibits the awarding of attorney fees or costs to the prevailing party in noncompliance actions. It sets time limits for completing environmental reviews and outlines a process for project sponsors to address issues with agencies, including conditions for extending these time limits. Agencies are restricted from withholding permits due to incomplete reviews unless there is a documented finding of potential violations. The bill also includes provisions for severability, the effective date, and its applicability to pending decisions and cases filed after the effective date.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(1): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(2): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(3): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(4): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(5): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(6): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1(7): 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208
HB0270_1: 75-1-102, 75-1-201, 75-1-208