The bill amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to establish a framework for conducting greenhouse gas assessments specifically related to fossil fuel activities. It requires state agencies to perform these assessments when necessary, clarifying that while greenhouse gas emissions will not be regulated, the assessments serve to meet informational requirements under MEPA. The legislation revises existing legal language to allow for the inclusion of greenhouse gas assessments in environmental reviews and provides exemptions for certain actions. Notably, it removes previous restrictions on evaluating greenhouse gas emissions in these reviews and mandates the Department of Environmental Quality to develop guidance for conducting the assessments.

Additionally, the bill introduces provisions that affect the judicial process regarding environmental reviews. It specifies that courts must evaluate the economic implications of granting relief without considering the legal nature of the parties involved. Injunctive relief can only be granted if the requesting party provides a written undertaking to cover potential costs and damages. The bill also allows for intervention by individuals or entities seeking permits or licenses in lawsuits challenging state agency decisions. Key amendments include replacing references to "the human environment" with "Montana's environment," defining terms related to greenhouse gas emissions and fossil fuel activities, and clarifying the criteria for issuing injunctions. The bill is set to take effect upon passage and approval.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(1): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(2): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(3): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(4): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(5): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(6): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(7): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(8): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1(9): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_1: 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(1): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(10): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(2): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(3): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(4): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(5): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(6): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(7): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(8): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2(9): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_2: 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(1): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(2): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(3): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(4): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(5): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X(6): 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220
SB0221_X: 75-1-201, 75-1-202, 75-1-220