MT senator: study impact of federal environmental laws - Montana's News Station

A resolution brought before the state Federal Relations, Energy and Telecommunications committee asks to study federal climate change programs between now and the next legislative session.

MT State Senator Kelly Gebhardt (R-Roundup), the sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 36, says the Environmental Protection Agency may list carbon dioxide as a pollutant, which could have a major impact on future carbon sequestration bills.

Gebhardt said, ""The reason I wanted the resolution was so we did actually keep up with what the federal government was doing with CO2 sequestration issues."

Gebhardt says the legislature could either authorize a study or implement an interim sub-committee on the issue if the resolution passes.

WEB EXTRA: here is the full text of the resolution:

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 36

INTRODUCED BY K. GEBHARDT

A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY TO INVESTIGATE THE IMPACTS OF FEDERAL CLIMATE CHANGE PROGRAMS; AND REQUIRING THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY TO BE REPORTED TO THE 62ND LEGISLATURE.

     WHEREAS, the federal government is considering the development of national programs to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and

     WHEREAS, the federal government is considering rules to administer programs to achieve regional greenhouse gas reduction goals; and

     WHEREAS, the design of the programs may require individual state responsibility in certain areas.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:

     That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:

     (1) evaluate how participation in greenhouse gas reduction programs proposed by the federal government could impact Montana's economy and environment, including:

     (a) a comparison of the potential economic and environmental impacts of greenhouse gas reduction programs, including:

     (i) a carbon tax;

     (ii) other cap-and-trade models; and

     (iii) voluntary reductions; and

     (b) an analysis of the impacts of potential greenhouse gas reduction programs on individual economic sectors;

     (2) review how a federal program could impact Montana's existing electrical generation, including:

     (a) the impact of federal legislation on Montana's ability to protect its own interests; and

     (b) the need for state provisions under federal regulation, including:

     (i) Montana's potential competitiveness in a carbon constrained environment; and

     (ii) potential gains and losses related to emissions reductions and allowances;

     (3) analyze how Montana could assign responsibility for reporting greenhouse gas emissions under federal programs; and

     (4) identify areas of responsibility left to the state by a federal climate change program.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2010.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 62nd Legislature.

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