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Montana Legislature approves HB 923 for nondegradation rule amendments

March 29, 2025 | Introduced House Bills, 2025 House and Senate Bills, Montana Legislation Bills, Montana


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Montana Legislature approves HB 923 for nondegradation rule amendments
The Montana Legislature convened on March 29, 2025, to introduce House Bill 923, a legislative measure aimed at revising categorical exclusions from nondegradation authorizations under state environmental regulations. The bill, sponsored by Representatives L. Jones, S. Gist, and G. Oblander, seeks to amend the Administrative Rules of Montana (ARM) 17.30.716, which governs environmental protections related to water quality.

The primary purpose of House Bill 923 is to allow county commissions to establish areas where drinking water wells are prohibited, provided that these areas maintain a minimum distance of 1,000 feet from downstream high-quality surface waters. This amendment is intended to streamline the regulatory process for counties that meet these criteria, thereby facilitating local governance over environmental protections while ensuring that water quality standards are upheld.

Key provisions of the bill include an appropriation of $10,000 from the general fund to the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for the biennium beginning July 1, 2025. This funding is designated for the DEQ to amend its rules and provide guidance on implementing the new categorical exclusion framework.

During the introduction of the bill, discussions highlighted the potential benefits of empowering local governments to manage water quality more effectively. Proponents argue that this flexibility could lead to improved environmental outcomes in areas where local conditions warrant such measures. However, concerns were raised regarding the implications for water quality and the potential for reduced oversight in sensitive ecological areas.

The bill is set to take effect upon passage, with the specific provisions regarding the appropriation becoming effective on July 1, 2025. As the legislative session progresses, further debates and amendments may arise, reflecting the ongoing discussions about balancing local governance with environmental protection.

In summary, House Bill 923 represents a significant shift in how Montana manages water quality regulations at the county level, with potential implications for both environmental policy and local governance. The outcome of this bill will be closely monitored as it moves through the legislative process.

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