Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Sponsor urges DEQ rulemaking to limit greenhouse gas emissions after Held opinion; advocates press for rules, industry backs alternative package
Summary
Representative Powers sought rules requiring DEQ to limit greenhouse gases, citing the Montana Supreme Court's Held decision; supporters urged the committee to direct rulemaking to protect public health and the environment, while industry witnesses opposed this bill in favor of a different legislative package.
Representative Ryan Powers (sponsor) opened a hearing on House Bill 660 by framing the bill as a response to the Montana Supreme Court's Held decision and a step to implement the state's constitutional environmental protections. "I respectfully request your support for House Bill 660 that requires that the department shall develop rules to limit greenhouse gas emissions to protect public health safety and the welfare of the environment," Powers said, citing the court record that the state did not dispute key climate-science findings.
More than a dozen proponents — including conservation groups, economists, physicians, local climate organizations and parents — urged the committee to direct DEQ to begin rulemaking. Testimony cited…
Already have an account? Log in
Subscribe to keep reading
Unlock the rest of this article — and every article on Citizen Portal.
- Unlimited articles
- AI-powered breakdowns of topics, speakers, decisions, and budgets
- Instant alerts when your location has a new meeting
- Follow topics and more locations
- 1,000 AI Insights / month, plus AI Chat
