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State of Montana Releases List of Priorities for Reducing Emissions through Innovative, Non-Regulatory Measures

  • February 01 2024

HELENA—The Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is pleased to share a draft list of priority pollution reduction measures for inclusion in Montana’s Priority Climate Action Plan (Action Plan). DEQ is seeking public comment on the measures and will host a virtual public meeting Feb. 8, 2024, to provide an overview of the planning process and next steps, and to answer questions on the list of measures. 

Pollution reduction measures identified in the Action Plan provide an opportunity for Montana communities to compete for a piece of the $4.6 billion of federal funding available under the second phase of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) program.  

“DEQ received more than 350 proposals from individuals, businesses, and organizations to curb pollution without our agency imposing additional regulatory burdens,” said DEQ Director Chris Dorrington. “This Action Plan will identify the state’s priority measures that can be analyzed within the timelines allowed by EPA and that support healthy communities through innovative Montana-made solutions.”  

In August, the state of Montana was awarded a $3 million planning grant under the CPRG program to develop an Action Plan in collaboration with various state agencies and stakeholders. The draft list of measures is the result of many conversations and comments over the last several months. As lead agency for the state, DEQ must submit the Action Plan to EPA by March 1, 2024.  

DEQ is hosting a virtual public meeting at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024. During the meeting, DEQ will provide a brief status update on the project and an overview of the draft list of measures. After the presentation, DEQ will have a question-and-answer session and take public comment.   

DEQ is accepting public comments on this proposed list of measures through Thursday, Feb. 15, 2024, after which DEQ will review comments and finalize a list of reduction measures for inclusion in the Action Plan.  

To learn how to join the meeting, view the draft list of reduction measures or submit comments, please visit: https://deq.mt.gov/News/publiccomment-folder/CPRG-02-01-24. 

 

Tags: Air, Energy and Press Release