MT HB466

Codifies "categorical exclusion" in the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), allowing state agencies to identify actions that do not have significant environmental impacts and exempt them from environmental review requirements

Creates a rebuttable presumption that extraordinary circumstances do not exist for categorical exclusions, meaning no environmental assessment or impact statement is required unless proven otherwise

Exempts the Department of Administration from MEPA review for construction, renovation, or repair of buildings, structures, and utility infrastructure on state-owned land

Exempts the Department of Commerce from MEPA review when authorizing, administering, or creating grant programs related to historic preservation

Requires state agencies to track the number and use of categorical exclusions and report to the Environmental Quality Council upon request