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Bill

LC 3109

Generally revise laws relating to challenges brought under MEPA

2025 Regular Session

Montana bill revises procedures for legal challenges to state environmental decisions, potentially altering access to courts and scope of environmental protections.

(LC) Draft Ready for Delivery
#environmentalprotection #miningandminerals(seealso:oilandgas) #revenue #state
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Bill Summary · LC 3109

Legislative bill overview

Bill LC 3109 proposes general revisions to Montana's laws governing legal challenges brought under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). The bill is currently in draft form and has not yet been introduced to the legislature. The specific provisions cannot be detailed until the final text is publicly available.

Why this is important

MEPA challenges are the primary legal mechanism through which citizens, environmental groups, and businesses contest state agency decisions affecting environmental quality and natural resources. Revisions to these challenge procedures could significantly impact the speed, cost, and accessibility of environmental litigation in Montana, affecting everything from mining permits to water rights to development projects.

Potential points of contention

  • Standing and procedural requirements: Changes to who can file challenges or time limits for filing could either expand public participation or make it harder for citizens to contest agency decisions
  • Scope of judicial review: Modifications to what courts can examine in MEPA cases could strengthen or weaken environmental protections and agency accountability
  • Cost-shifting and attorney fees: Provisions addressing who pays legal costs in successful or unsuccessful challenges affect whether ordinary citizens can afford to participate in environmental oversight

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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