MT SB559

Allows persons adversely affected by Department of Environmental Quality permit decisions on air quality, water quality, or mining (strip, underground, coal, uranium, or metal mines) to appeal to the Board of Environmental Review or directly to district court within 30 days, with a $100 filing fee

Requires judicial review petitions to be filed in the county where the permitted activity is proposed to occur, and the permit applicant/holder must be included as a party

Grants court precedence to permit challenges for projects exceeding $1 million in cost over other pending civil matters

Applies Montana Administrative Procedure Act contested case provisions to board hearings under these appeal procedures

Effective date is July 1, 2025