MT SB349

Montana Department of Environmental Quality designated as the sole oversight and permitting authority for air quality, water quality, and emissions standards for existing fossil fuel-fired electric generating units (coal, natural gas, or oil plants)

Legislature declares that courts and the federal EPA have not proven emissions from these generating units have caused quantifiable harm to any person, business, or place beyond Montana's borders

Legislature asserts the federal EPA lacks authority to adopt rules or deny permits that hinder continued operation of fossil fuel plants without significant economic investment from owners, utilities, and ratepayers

Act becomes void if the federal EPA repeals two specific rules: 89 Fed. Reg. 38508 (May 7, 2024) and 89 Fed. Reg. 39798 (May 9, 2024)

Effective immediately upon passage and approval