MT HB660

Montana Department of Environmental Quality would be required to develop rules limiting greenhouse gas emissions to protect public health, safety, welfare, and the environment

Amends Section 75-2-112, MCA, adding a new mandatory duty to the department's existing air pollution control responsibilities

Legislative findings cite the Montana Supreme Court's determination that the department already has authority to regulate greenhouse gases

Invokes the state's constitutional obligation under Article IX, section 1(3) to protect environmental life support systems and prevent degradation of natural resources

Specific emission reduction targets, timelines, and regulatory mechanisms would be determined through the department's rulemaking process rather than specified in the bill