MT HJ71

Requests an interim study by the Legislative Finance Committee to analyze impacts of federal funding changes on Montana's Department of Environmental Quality since January 20, 2025

DEQ currently receives 36.6% of its budget from federal dollars, with 376.04 full-time equivalent positions funded fully or partially by federal funding

Study must examine impacts on agency operations, budgets, personnel reductions, and program sustainability across divisions including Water Quality, Waste Management and Remediation, and Air, Energy, and Mining

Findings must be presented to policy committees, the Modernization and Risk Analysis Committee, and interim budget committees, with all study aspects concluded by September 15, 2026

Final results, conclusions, and recommendations to be reported to the 70th Legislature