During the summers in Montana, air quality can be a prevalent topic with wildfires in our great state. When fires roar you can see the air quality drop by the second with haze rolling in.

Montana House Bill 291 looks to adjust air quality standards

According to Fast Democracy, a website that follows bills, votes and other related documents, Montana House Bill 291 looks to alter the standards when determining air quality in the Treasure State.

 

The bill aims to limit the authority of the Department of Environmental Quality and local air pollution control programs in Montana from adopting air quality standards that are more stringent than federal requirements - FastDemocracy.com

 

In other words, the bill would force Montana to adhere to air quality standards that are in line with the federal government.

HB291 was introduced to the house on January 22 with other references and hearing on January 23 and January 30.

The bill is sponsored by Montana House of Representative (District 38) Greg Oblander.

Another key part of HB291 includes the process of providing findings to adopt certain regulations.

The bill also eliminates the requirement for the department to provide written findings based on evidence for adopting stricter regulations. - Fast Democracy

 

The bill has not been voted on yet.

Governor Greg Gianforte to speak

Unrelated to HB291, Governor Greg Gianforte will hold a press conference at 10:30 on Thursday morning. We will have a story on the presser tomorrow.

Related News

Montana's Newest Congressman Troy Downing Spotlights Tax Policy and Food Security

Montana State Senate President Matt Regier Has Update On Bills And Bathrooms

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte Wants To Provide Permanent Property Tax Relief

Looking Back at One of Montana's Most Explosive Fires

The 2013 Lolo Creek Fire burned within 6 miles of Missoula

Gallery Credit: Dennis Bragg

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM