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DEQ seeks statutory guidance to limit MEPA greenhouse-gas analysis; opponents say bill narrows review and risks transparency
Summary
SB221 requires DEQ to define greenhouse gases, specify actions that trigger GHG assessment (with emphasis on fossil-fuel activities), narrow the scope of required analysis to emissions 'approximately caused' by a proposed action, and produce guidance. Industry proponents urged predictability; conservation groups, tribes and public-health advocates said the bill would exclude indirect or downstream emissions and risk legal and public-health consequences.
Senate Bill 221 would provide statutory sideboards for greenhouse-gas analysis under MEPA after the Montana Supreme Court’s Held decision. Sponsor Senator Gault opened the hearing, saying the bill provides certainty for agencies and regulated entities. DEQ Director Sonya Nowakowski testified that SB221 defines greenhouse gases, lists the types of actions that would require assessment (emphasizing fossil-fuel activities), limits analysis to impacts "approximately caused" by the proposed action, and directs DEQ to prepare a guidance document for use by…
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