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Bill to remove some subdivision MEPA review draws sharp environmental and development witnesses
Summary
Senate Bill 262 would eliminate MEPA analysis for certain DEQ subdivision sanitation reviews to speed approvals; developers and local planners supported cutting redundancy while environmental groups and affected residents warned it would reduce cumulative watershed analysis and public participation.
Senator Forrest Mandeville opened testimony on Senate Bill 262, saying the bill would remove certain subdivision reviews from the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) while retaining county review, septic permitting and DEQ sanitation authority. "This bill is intended to streamline the DEQ review process by eliminating this needless review," Mandeville said.
Proponents included the Montana Building Industry Association, the Montana Association of Realtors and local engineers who said duplicative MEPA checklists add time and…
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