Missoula County opposes HB 971, Revise environmental policy act, scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.
If this bill were to go into effect, it would prevent the Montana Department of Environmental Quality from including carbon dioxide emissions as an environmental impact. The science is clear that increased CO2 emissions are leading to climate change impacts in the state of Montana, affecting the health, economy and natural environment of the state. This would be like if an agency was given the authority to evaluate the water quality aspects of a proposed project, but they were expressly forbidden from considering the impacts of lead contamination when determining overall impact.
The language in this bill could have far reaching effects that could extend to water and air quality should the new sections 1-5 go into effect. To have no environmental review at all would impair experts' and local communities’ ability to thoughtfully consider the potential impacts of a project, removing critical opportunities for public participation.
Senators,
ReplyDeleteMissoula County opposes HB 971, Revise environmental policy act, scheduled for second reading on the Senate floor today.
If this bill were to go into effect, it would prevent the Montana Department of Environmental Quality from including carbon dioxide emissions as an environmental impact. The science is clear that increased CO2 emissions are leading to climate change impacts in the state of Montana, affecting the health, economy and natural environment of the state. This would be like if an agency was given the authority to evaluate the water quality aspects of a proposed project, but they were expressly forbidden from considering the impacts of lead contamination when determining overall impact.
The language in this bill could have far reaching effects that could extend to water and air quality should the new sections 1-5 go into effect. To have no environmental review at all would impair experts' and local communities’ ability to thoughtfully consider the potential impacts of a project, removing critical opportunities for public participation.
Please oppose HB 971.