The bill aims to restrict the Department of Environmental Quality and local air pollution control programs in Montana from adopting air quality standards that are more stringent than federal requirements. It amends several sections of the Montana Clean Air Act, specifically Sections 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, and 75-2-301. Key changes include the insertion of language that clarifies the department may not set emission levels that exceed federal standards, with specific exceptions for existing requirements and areas classified as nonattainment. Additionally, the bill removes previous provisions that allowed for the adoption of more stringent standards under certain conditions, thereby reinforcing the alignment of state regulations with federal guidelines.

The amendments also modify the procedures for local air pollution control programs, ensuring that any local regulations must be consistent with state and federal standards. The bill emphasizes the need for public hearings and comment periods for any proposed local air quality regulations, while also streamlining the process for local programs to gain approval from the department. Overall, the legislation seeks to create a more uniform regulatory framework for air quality management in Montana, limiting the state's ability to impose stricter standards than those established at the federal level.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(1): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(2): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(3): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(4): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(5): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(6): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1(7): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_1: 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(1): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(10): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(11): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(12): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(2): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(3): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(4): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(5): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(6): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(7): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(8): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2(9): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_2: 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_X(1): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_X(2): 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301
HB0291_X: 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, 75-2-301