Public Policy – Page 2 – Treasure State Resources Association

Main Street Montana Project KIN’s Issue Recommendations

By Peggy TrenkApril 13, 2016News, Public PolicyKINs, main street montana

The Main Street Montana Project was initiated by the Bullock Administration to “develop a business plan” for Montana using expertise from the public sector. Key Industry Networks were created reflecting relevant topic areas. Participants in the KIN’s met over a period of time to gather input and develop recommendations that have or will be presented

The Economic Implications of Implementing the EPA Clean Power Plan in Montana

By Peggy TrenkMarch 19, 2016News, Public PolicyBBER Study, Clean Power Plan, Colstrip

Read more about the implications of the EPA Clean Power Plan’s potential impact on Colstrip by reviewing the U of M Bureau of Business and Economic Research’s study here.

Montana Interim Committee Updates – Water Policy

By Peggy TrenkMarch 19, 2016Public Policy404 Permitting, Water Policy

Water Policy Interim Committee – March 7, 2016 The Water Policy Interim Committee continued its study of the possibility for Montana to assume management of the Army Corps of Engineers 404 permitting programs. A permit is required anytime someone places dredge or fill in any jurisdictional water body. Legislative staff prepared a preliminary estimate of

Board of Environmental Review Meeting: February 5, 2016

By Peggy TrenkFebruary 24, 2016Public PolicyBER, DEQ, Public Policy

Board of Environmental Review Meeting: February 5, 2016

Summary Items:

The EPA approved Montana’s Water Quality Standards for EC and SAR adopted in 2003 and 2006. DEQ staff noted the action would have no impact on their work as the State had already been applying the new standards. It does mean those standards will be applied to federal actions.

The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) reported they are still collecting data for electrical conductivity (EC) and sodium absorption rate (SAR) on Otter Creek for purposes of determining site specific water quality standards. They are working with stakeholders and the EPA to apply the “narrative” standards. Direction is needed for purposes of implementing Section 75-5-306 (MCA) that speaks to not having to treat water that is discharged to a level that exceeds the naturally occurring condition.

Governor Bullock’s Amended Executive Order on the CPP Advisory Council

By Peggy TrenkFebruary 17, 2016Public PolicyBullock, Clean Power Plan, Coal, Executive Order

President Obama’s Clean Power Plan would have a devastating effect on Montana’s coal industry. Governor Bullock has established an Advisory Council to develop a recommendation for how Montana should deal with the CPP. To view the full text of his executive order, click here. The members of his advisory council can be found on Governor

Governor Bullock’s Executive Order on Sage Grouse

By Peggy TrenkFebruary 17, 2016Public PolicyBullock, Executive Order, Public Policy, Sage Grouse

In 2015 Governor Steve Bullock issued an executive order implementing a plan to protect Sage Grouse populations in Montana. To view the full text of his executive order, click here.

Using Legislative History

By Peggy TrenkFebruary 14, 2016Public PolicyLaws, Legislature, Public Policy

The term “legislative history” can mean two different things. First, “legislative history” refers to the chronological progress of a bill through the legislative process from its introduction to its enactment into law. In the legal field, however, “legislative history,” also often refers to the collection of documents that are created during that process. Judges and attorneys often turn to these documents to try to determine why the legislature enacted a particular law or to aid in the interpretation of a portion of the law. This process of using legislative history to interpret a law is often referred to as finding the “legislative intent” behind the law.

Category Archives: Public Policy