The bill aims to exempt certain state agencies and local building departments from conducting greenhouse gas emissions analyses as part of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). Specifically, it states that these entities are not required to analyze emissions from covered products or appliances when adopting or enforcing building codes. Additionally, the bill clarifies that the department is not obligated to perform greenhouse gas emissions analyses for sources not subject to state enforcement, particularly regarding new motor vehicles and engines, and it explicitly states that this exemption applies to emissions beyond the state's borders.
Furthermore, the bill acknowledges the preemption of state regulation by federal laws, such as the Clean Air Act and the Energy Policy and Conservation Act, which limit state authority over greenhouse gas emissions from certain sources. As a result, the bill removes the requirement for analyzing emissions beyond the state's borders, reinforcing the notion that the state cannot act contrary to federal statutes. The provisions of the bill are intended to be codified as part of existing state law, ensuring clarity in the application of these exemptions.