BillingGazette

Published on Wednesday, April 08, 2009.
Last modified on 4/8/2009 at 3:01 pm

EPA concerned about GOP energy permit bill

By KAHRIN DEINES
Of The Associated Press

HELENA - The Environmental Protection Agency has sent a letter to the governor expressing concern about Republican legislation that aims to speed permitting for energy projects.

 

House Bill 483, sponsored by Republican Rep. Llew Jones of Conrad, would put new limits on permit appeals for energy projects, such as wind farms or coal-fired power plants. The bill has passed the Legislature, and now awaits action by Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer.

 

The EPA letter says that if Jones' bill becomes law it could impact whether state programs meet federal approval requirements.

 

In particular, it says the bill may set impediments to public challenges of air and water-quality permits that might run contrary to requirements under the Clean Air and Water Acts.