Montana's new climate law, House Bill 971, was signed into law

by Governor Greg Gianforte on May 10, 2023. 

The law prohibits state agencies from considering climate change when permitting large projects. 

HB 971 amends the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) to 

prohibit state agencies from considering greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts 

when conducting environmental reviews for large projects. 

The law defines a "large project" as one that requires a state permit and has a total cost of at least $10 million. 

The law has been met with criticism from environmental groups, who say 

it will make it more difficult to protect Montana's environment from the impacts of climate change. 

The Sierra Club, for example, has called the law 

"a reckless attack on Montana's air, water, and public health."