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Bill would bar state/local air rules stricter than federal standards; debate centers on local control and public health
Summary
House Bill 291 would prohibit DEQ and local air programs from adopting air‑quality standards stricter than federal requirements, while preserving existing local standards established before the bill takes effect and excluding federal nonattainment obligations.
Representative Greg Oblander opened the hearing on House Bill 291 by saying the bill would remove authority for DEQ and local air pollution control programs to adopt air‑quality standards more stringent than federal Clean Air Act requirements. He said the proposal includes a grandfather clause that preserves existing standards established before the bill’s effective date and that it would not affect areas designated nonattainment or maintenance to comply with national ambient air quality standards.
Proponents included trade and industry groups such as the Montana Coal Council, the Montana Petroleum Association and the Montana State Building and Construction…
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