Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that amends state air quality standards in Montana.

Highlights:

• Prohibits the department from establishing more stringent standards for the emission of air pollutants outside of the limitations from the federal Clean Air Act, except for (Sec. 1):

• The governing the emissions of air pollutants before the effective date of this bill; or

• The actions necessary in areas of nonattainment, maintenance, or to prevent nonattainment to comply with the federal Clean Air Act.

• Authorizes municipalities and counties to establish and administer local air pollution control programs, if the programs comply with this bill (Sec. 4).

• Prohibits local air pollution control programs from controlling any air pollutant source that (Sec. 4):

• Requires an environmental impact statement;

• Is subject to the Montana Major Facility Siting Act; or

• Has the potential to emit 250 or more tons of any pollutant per year.

• Authorizes the department to require local programs to become more efficient within a 60 period after notice, if the department finds the program to be inadequate in a hearing (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes the state department to obtain control over an air pollutant source, if the department finds the state to be capable of controlling the source more efficiently (Sec. 4).

• Specifies that this bill is effective once it is signed by the Governor (Sec. 5).

Full Bill Text