The legislation, signed into law last week, is even more restrictive than North Carolina’s infamous 2012 law that prohibited policymakers from considering sea-level rise projections.
by Kristoffer Tigue, Inside Climate News
Montana Republican lawmakers have passed legislation that bars state agencies from considering climate change when permitting large projects that require environmental reviews, including coal mines and power plants. Gov. Greg Gianforte signed the bill last week, marking what could be considered the nation’s most aggressive anti-climate law.
Under House Bill 971, Amanda Eggert reports for the Montana Free Press, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality and other state regulators can’t consider greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts when conducting environmental reviews for large projects. The move builds off a decade-old state law that already banned the state from considering “actual or potential impacts that are regional, national, or global in nature” in such reviews.
The law comes as a Montana judge weighs a case brought by 16 youth plaintiffs who are suing the state government for its pro-fossil fuel energy policies, which they argue violates their right to a “clean and healthful environment” as guaranteed by Montana’s 50-year-old constitution. The hearing for that case is set to begin next month.
Proponents of Montana’s new law, including its sponsor, Rep. Josh Kassmier, argued the legislation was necessary to restore authority over setting policy to state lawmakers after a district judge revoked a permit back in April for a proposed natural gas power plant that state regulators had already approved.
Recent Posts
The U.S. Is Creating New Categories Of Deportable Migrants
Take Action NowTrump’s promise of widespread deportations won’t happen without defining a wave of new ‘illegals’ into existence.By Anna…
Does Donald Trump Actually Want To Start Denuclearization?
Take Action NowLittle noticed remarks from Davos should get more attention.By William Hartung, Responsible StatecraftThroughout his…
Organizers Report Longtime ‘Loyal’ Dem Voters Fed Up With Party’s Inaction As Trump 2.0 Takes Hold
Take Action Now Leaders of the grassroots group Indivisible said voters are eager to beat the Trump agenda, and called on Democratic leaders to act…
In Gaza, Assessing Destruction On An Unimaginable Scale
Take Action NowOver 80 Palestinians have been killed across Gaza since the ceasefire took hold, 49 of them in Rafah alone.By Abubaker…