SB 233 Amendments to the Montana Environmental Policy Act
BILL STATUS: SB 233 passed both the House and Senate, and became law without the Governor's signature. It is the most damaging conservation bill to pass the 2011 Montana Legislature.
BILL SPONSOR: Sen. Jim Keane, D-Butte
AUDUBON POSITION: OPPOSED
Background: For nearly 40 years, the Montana Environmental Policy Act has served as a"look before you leap" approach to actions that may have a significant impact on the environment. It is the only place that impacts to fish & wildlife, cultural resources, and public health & safety are considered by projects. It also provides a process for the public to learn how they may be impacted by a project - as well as how they might provide comment on those impacts.
SB 233 will severely undermine this process, tipping the scales in favor of industry and development. Supporters of these bill insist that changes to Montana's bedrock 
environmental law will create jobs. MT Audubon and our conservation partners know that fully considering the impacts of a project results in better decisions. We also know that minimizing impacts to clean air, water, wildlife, and communities is vital to maintaining a healthy economy in Montana.
For more information:
- SB 233 FACT SHEET
- SB 233 BILL TEXT
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