The bill amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to establish a structured approach for conducting greenhouse gas (GHG) assessments during environmental reviews, particularly for proposed fossil fuel activities. It requires state agencies to perform GHG assessments for these activities while allowing for assessments in other cases if necessary. The legislation clarifies that GHG assessments are not mandatory for actions exempt from review or for categorical exclusions and emphasizes that the analysis is for informational purposes only, without granting regulatory authority over GHG emissions. Key amendments include the removal of certain subsections that limited environmental review scope and the introduction of new language directing the Department of Environmental Quality to develop guidance for GHG assessments.

Additionally, the bill revises procedures for environmental reviews by mandating that courts assess the economic implications of relief on local and state economies rather than the legal nature of parties involved. It stipulates that injunctive relief can only be granted if the requesting party provides a written undertaking for potential costs and damages. The bill also allows individuals or entities seeking permits to intervene in lawsuits challenging agency decisions. Notable changes include replacing "the human environment" with "Montana's environment," introducing specific definitions for GHG emissions and fossil fuel activities, and clarifying that attorney fees cannot be awarded in noncompliance actions. Overall, the legislation aims to streamline the environmental review process while ensuring adequate assessment of greenhouse gas impacts.

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