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MT HB685
Bill
Status
Passed
5/13/2025
Primary Sponsor
Steve Fitzpatrick
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AI Summary
- Replaces the term "authorization to degrade high-quality waters" with "feasibility allowance" throughout Montana's water quality nondegradation statutes
- Modifies the nondegradation policy approval standard from requiring that project benefits exceed "costs to society" to requiring benefits exceed costs "in the area that the high-quality waters are located"
- Retains existing requirements that applicants demonstrate no economically, environmentally, or technologically feasible alternatives exist and that least degrading water quality protection practices will be implemented
- Requires the Department of Environmental Quality to amend administrative rules ARM 17.30.707 and 17.30.708 to add references to feasibility allowances
- Takes effect immediately upon passage and approval
Legislative Description
Feasibility allowance for nondegradation policy
Rule Making
Last Action
Chapter Number Assigned
5/19/2025
Committee Referrals
Natural Resources3/17/2025
Natural Resources2/24/2025
Full Bill Text
No bill text available