The proposed bill seeks to limit the authority of 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. Key amendments include changes to several sections of the Montana Clean Air Act, specifically Sections 75-2-111, 75-2-203, 75-2-207, and 75-2-301. Notably, the bill stipulates that the department may not establish emission levels that exceed federal standards, with certain exceptions for pre-existing requirements and areas classified as nonattainment. Additionally, the bill modifies the process for local air pollution control programs to adopt more stringent regulations, requiring them to align with federal guidelines.

The bill also introduces specific procedural requirements for local air pollution control programs, including public notice and comment periods for proposed rules, ordinances, or local laws. It emphasizes that any local program must be consistent with state and federal regulations and outlines the necessary steps for public engagement, such as holding public hearings if requested by affected individuals. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage and approval, reflecting a significant shift in how air quality standards are regulated in Montana.

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