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Committee hears broad public support and industry opposition to bill directing DEQ to set greenhouse‑gas rules
Summary
Representative Debo Powers introduced HB 660, which would require DEQ to develop rules limiting greenhouse‑gas emissions. Dozens of proponents cited climate science and economic studies; industry witnesses urged alternative legislative vehicles. DEQ said rule detail and fiscal impacts would be determined in rulemaking.
Representative Debo Powers opened House Bill 660 by citing the Montana Supreme Court's Held decision and arguing that the Department of Environmental Quality needs regulations and procedures to analyze and limit greenhouse‑gas emissions to protect public health, safety and the environment.
More than a dozen proponents testified, including scientists, physicians, community groups and conservation organizations. Testimony emphasized the scientific record cited in Held; proponents submitted studies (including a Montana climate assessment and economic analyses) and told the committee that limiting greenhouse‑gas emissions could reduce future economic and health harms. "We all need clean air, but Justy needs clean air even more," said Dr. Mark Nicholson, who testified on behalf of his family and a child with respiratory vulnerability.
Opponents, including John Iverson (Treasure State Resources Association) and Sonny Capice (Montana Petroleum Association), argued this bill duplicates or conflicts with a legislative package (for example, SB 221) they view as a better vehicle and said HB 660 could be poor policy without broader stakeholder coordination. Industry witnesses expressed concern about potential economic impacts and urged consideration of alternate approaches.
DEQ Director Sonia Nowakowski and Air Quality Bureau Chief Bo Wilkins testified as informational witnesses. DEQ said it had reviewed the fiscal note and explained that the agency expects to rely on existing air‑fees and federal emissions reporting systems (EPA's CAR or similar) to support rulemaking and implementation; the draft fiscal note referenced costs of roughly $141,943 to be covered by state special revenue from air fees, according to questions from committee members. DEQ also said that wildfire emissions are monitored but are treated differently under federal air‑quality frameworks and that greenhouse‑gas accounting will raise complex questions in rulemaking.
Committee members pursued detailed questions about which greenhouse gases would be covered, how wildfire emissions would be treated in inventories, and whether the bill would "target" particular industries. The sponsor repeatedly said the bill is intentionally broad and leaves rule specifics to DEQ; supporters said states with rule frameworks have implemented them to protect public health and plan transitions to renewable energy.
Representative Powers closed the hearing, urging the committee to consider the bill as a start toward required agency analysis and rulemaking rather than a final regulatory prescription.
