MontanaHB 92369th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)House

Revise categorical exclusions from nondegradation authorization

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Faster approvals for some wastewater sites

Beginning May 1, 2025, DEQ offers a faster path for some wastewater discharges. A county must establish an area where drinking water wells are banned. The absorption trench must be at least 1,000 feet from downstream high-quality surface waters. In those areas, applicants get a categorical exclusion and can skip a nondegradation authorization. If groundwater is absent or too deep to sample, DEQ reviews nonsignificance without a background nitrogen sample. DEQ must update its rule by January 1, 2026.

Small funding to update DEQ rules

Beginning July 1, 2025, the state provides $500 from the general fund to DEQ. The money is only for updating rules required by this act during the biennium starting July 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Llew Jones
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 290 • No: 1

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 45 • No: 0

House vote • 4/5/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote • 4/4/2025