MEPA | DEQ MEPA Implementation Comment Portal and Public Listening Sessions | Comment Period Ends December 1, 2023

On September 27, 2023, the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) kicked off an effort to thoughtfully review implementation of the Montana Environmental Policy Act, often referred to as MEPA. DEQ is opening a dialogue about whether and how the regulatory framework, enacted in the 1970s and 1980s, should be modernized to reflect the experiences of the past fifty years and the demands of today’s contemporary society.

As part of this effort, DEQ seeks creative suggestions and feedback from Montanans familiar with the MEPA process. Through an online comment portal and a series of public listening sessions, Montanans are invited to share their thoughts about MEPA implementation and any improvements they would like to see.

Here are a few questions to consider as you help identify creative solutions:

• What changes, if any, are needed to modernize MEPA?
• What should an analysis of greenhouse gas emissions and climate impacts include?
• What opportunities exist for state agencies to be more thorough, balanced, efficient, or consistent?

DEQ plans to preview this conversation in Billings on Monday, October 2, 2023, and will hold two listening sessions later in October. See below for more information about how to join.

Comments received will inform ongoing conversations and serve as the foundation for work to be completed over the next year by a diverse stakeholder group. Additional details on this group will be available in the coming months.

Associated Resources:

• MEPA Statutes (75-1-101, et seq., Montana Code Annotated)
• MEPA Rules (Administrative Rules of Montana 17.4.601, et seq.)
• Environmental Quality Council MEPA Resources (Montana Legislature)

Comment Period Ends: December 1, 2023

Submit Comments via DEQ’s Online Portal: https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/4e14fb535c034e08bcf87c6c2a113c9d

Public Listening Sessions:

Pre-registration is required for the online portion, click the links below to sign up.

• Session 1 – Oct. 2, 6:00-8:00p.m., Billings Convention Center (1223 Mullowney Lane, Billings)
  
  • Watch the meeting recording on YouTube.
• Session 2 – Oct. 18, 6:00-8:00p.m., Delta Colonial Hotel (2301 Colonial Dr, Helena)
  • Watch the meeting recording on YouTube.
• Session 3 – Oct. 19, 6:00-8:00p.m., University Center South Ballroom (32 Campus Drive, Missoula)
  • Watch the meeting recording on YouTube.
• Session 4 - Nov. 1, 3:00-5:00p.m., Online Only
  • Watch the meeting recording on YouTube.

 

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Tags: MEPA, Public Comment and Public Meeting