Latest news with #MEPA
E&E News
28-05-2025
- Business
- E&E News
Montana lawmakers blunt group's historic court win on climate
Climate activists scored a pair of landmark legal victories in Montana over the past two years, giving momentum to similar youth-led efforts across the globe. Now state lawmakers have responded by targeting the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), which helped propel the young activists to a courtroom win after they argued the law violated their constitutional right to a healthy environment. Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte, a Republican, signed a package of bills into law this month that rewrite sections of the 1971 law. Flanked by Republican lawmakers and the state's top environmental appointee, Gianforte said the legislation 'reduces red tape and provides certainty to small and large businesses across our state.' Advertisement The measures that were added to the law restrict the scope of environmental reviews related to greenhouse gases and declare that the analyses are for informational purposes only and can't be used to deny permits. 'No more fantasyland ideas from climate crusaders who think Montana can run on solar panels and wishful thinking,' state Sen. Wylie Galt said at a Republican leadership press conference as the bills advanced. Environmentalists, however, said the changes put the state increasingly at odds with the courts. 'They are attempting to unwind what is constitutionally guaranteed,' said Derf Johnson, deputy director of the Montana Environmental Information Center. 'Once again, we're passing laws that are clearly problematic in terms of what our constitution requires.' Republicans in the state House and Senate acknowledged that the legislation was a response to the state's loss in Held v. Montana, which Galt called a 'present to radical environmental activists.' In the case brought by 16 young people, a state court declared in August 2023 that lawmakers had violated the Montana Constitution by barring state agencies from considering the climate effects of fossil fuel projects. At issue was the Legislature's decision in 2011 to revise MEPA to exclude consideration of out-of-state climate emissions when weighing whether to approve projects such as power plants. In-state climate emissions were excluded by the Legislature in 2023, before the case went to trial. Later that year, Judge Kathy Seeley of the 1st Judicial District Court in Montana struck down the two emissions-related measures that were added to the environmental policy act, finding that youth in the state have a 'fundamental constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment.' The 2023 ruling was a major victory for the young people, who made history by securing a win in the nation's first climate trial brought by young plaintiffs. It also boosted other climate litigation, including a similar lawsuit in Hawaii that was settled last June when state officials reached an agreement with the youth. And it was upheld in December by the Montana Supreme Court, which found that the delegates who wrote the 1972 Montana Constitution intended to provide 'the strongest environmental protection provision found in any state constitution.' Neither ruling sat well with Republican lawmakers — who had filed their own friend of the court brief urging the high court to reject the case. 'In that Held decision, it was kind of like we had — and I'm going to say something a little spicy — a bunch of little Greta Thunbergs, it seemed like,' state Rep. Randyn Gregg, a Republican, said on a podcast in January as the legislative session opened. Held v. Montana 'didn't just make headlines, it sent shock waves through Montana's economy,' said state Rep. Greg Oblander, a Republican, calling it an 'open invitation for activists to weaponize our environmental laws against the very industries that keep Montana running.' 'Weaponizing and litigation' Republicans proposed a package of bills to counter the court rulings, arguing that MEPA was intended to provide guidance to government officials — not serve as a means to deter coal, oil and gas projects. 'In the Held v. Montana court case, they tried to twist MEPA into something it was never meant to be — a tool to deny permits and block development,' state House Speaker Brandon Ler (R) said as Gianforte signed the package into law earlier this month. Ler, who sponsored one of the bills, said his legislation underscores the idea that environmental reviews are only procedural: 'It's a way to gather facts, weigh impacts and make informed decisions — not dictate them,' he said. 'We're making it clear that Montana's environmental policy is about informed decision-making, and not weaponizing and litigation.' Most Montana environmental laws begin with a reference to the state constitution, but Ler's bill strikes that language from MEPA. Another bill sets guidelines for MEPA assessments, narrowing the scope so that it does not not include greenhouse gas emissions beyond the boundaries of a proposed plant. That would mean a coal mine's exports wouldn't be a factor, for example. A third bill does not revise MEPA, but prevents the state from adopting any clean air standards that are more stringent than federal ones. A parade of fossil fuel interests, business groups and unions supported the measure. Federal standards 'are more than adequate,' Dan Brooks of the Billings Chamber of Commerce told lawmakers. Eva Lighthiser, one of the 16 young challengers who testified at the Held trial, told lawmakers that it was wrong to prevent the state from regulating harmful greenhouse gases. 'This bill goes against our constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment,' she said. 'This bill evades the state's responsibility to uphold our constitutional rights.' Other legislative efforts aimed at blunting Held were not as successful. Less than a month after the Montana Supreme Court upheld the Held decision, the court cited the decision in a ruling that determined state officials had not conducted an adequate review of a controversial gas-fired power plant. That ruling, along with the court's decision to uphold Held, prompted lawmakers to call for partisan judicial elections, as well as a new court that would focus on business interests. Neither of the measures passed the Legislature. Our Children's Trust, the public interest law firm that represented the young people in Montana, said it plans to stay active in the state. 'The disdain lawmakers showed for the decision really affirms it's a momentous decision and will have significant effects in Montana,' said Nate Bellinger, supervising senior staff attorney at the Oregon-based firm. He noted that lawmakers did not alter the constitution, which says public officials have a constitutional duty to protect people's right to a clean and healthful environment. 'We will continue to be there, to help represent youth and enforce and uphold the right to a clean environment,' Bellinger said. 'If that means follow-up litigation, that's what it means.'
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Lawmakers accused of 'deeply troubling' tactics in court battle with young activists: 'It's going to take us years to unwind what they're doing here'
Montana lawmakers are pushing a series of legislative changes that critics say will undercut a historic court ruling that favored youth plaintiffs in a climate case, Inside Climate News recently reported. The Held v. Montana ruling was seen as a major win for young climate advocates. However, since the verdict, legislators have introduced bills that would limit the state's obligation to consider climate pollution in decision-making. The Held decision found that Montana residents have a constitutional right to a clean and healthful environment, including protection from climate harm. Yet in response, some state legislators are fast-tracking measures that restrict how state agencies evaluate the release of polluting gases. Lawmakers aim to block courts from enforcing certain constitutional provisions through legislation like House Bill (HB) 971 and others that amend the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). HB 971 says state agencies shouldn't factor in planet-warming gas pollution in environmental reviews, while the MEPA requires them to carefully assess the environmental impact of major projects before giving permits. These changes could reshape how Montana evaluates and responds to climate-related risks. Legal experts and environmental advocates argue that these bills could roll back key protections affirmed by the ruling and limit the ability of residents to hold the government accountable for decisions affecting the climate. The urgency and volume of the proposals suggest a deliberate effort to sideline the court's judgment and limit the legal avenues available to implement initiatives for climate protection. As Anne Hedges, executive director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, warned, "It's going to take us years to unwind what they're doing here. And they [Republican lawmakers] know it; to them, that's a win." The youth plaintiffs' legal team is closely watching legislative changes as they unfold while Republican lawmakers defend the measures as necessary to limit judicial overreach. As a Reddit user shared, "It's deeply troubling that Montana Republicans are trying to roll back climate action after a court recognized the state's constitutional duty to protect a clean environment. … They need to be held accountable." Do you think governments should ban gas stoves? Heck yes! Only in new buildings Only in restaurants Heck no! Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. For now, advocates say the best way forward is to stay informed, support pro-climate leaders, and back candidates who prioritize environmental protection. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Governor signs suite of bills changing Montana's environmental laws
Gov. Greg Gianforte speaks before a bill signing ceremony for a suite of bills that make changes to Montana's environmental laws. (Micah Drew/Daily Montanan) Three state representatives joined Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte for a bill signing ceremony for five new laws making changes to the Montana Environmental Policy Act. 'At its simplest, MEPA is a process that ensures that we think about the potential environmental impacts of our decisions,' Gianforte said in remarks to press. 'Last year, the Montana Supreme Court issued a series of rulings that led us to develop solutions to reduce potential litigation and provide certainty to Montana businesses, large and small, that are trying to make a living here in our state.' The suite of laws came as a direct response to the decision in the Held vs. Montana lawsuit, in which a district court judge found that the state could not limit the analysis of greenhouse gas emissions during the environmental review process. When the Montana Supreme Court upheld the ruling last December, incoming Republican legislative leaders told the courts to 'buckle up' and brought a number of bills aimed at changing the judicial system as well as addressing the Held decision. 'In the Held v. Montana court case, they tried to twist MEPA into something it was never meant to be — a tool to deny permits and block development,' House Speaker Brandon Ler, R-Savage, said at the signing ceremony. 'With the signing of this MEPA reform package, we're making it clear that Montana's environmental policy is about reform decision making, not weaponizing and litigation.' Earlier during the session, House Democrats pushed back against many of the bills related to MEPA, including one brought by Ler. 'Montanans expect us to defend their Constitutional right to breathe clean air and drink clean water, and that's exactly what House Democrats did,' said Rep. Jonathan Karlen, D-Missoula, in a press release. 'But some Republican politicians are determined to erode what makes Montana the last best place. We will continue to fight those efforts every step of the way.' The Held lawsuit, brought by 16 youth plaintiffs from across the state, was the nation's first constitutional climate change trial. A district court judge in Lewis and Clark County sided with the plaintiffs in 2023, and in December 2024, the Montana Supreme Court upheld the decision. The court found in a 6-to-1 decision that Montana's constitutional guarantee of a 'clean and healthful environment' includes a stable climate system. 'Plaintiffs showed at trial — without dispute — that climate change is harming Montana's environmental life support system now and with increasing severity for the foreseeable future,' the order stated. In response to the Supreme Court's decision Democrats introduced bills that sought to strengthen MEPA's role in protecting the environment, although none passed. The majority of bills introduced, including the five signed on Thursday sponsored by Republicans, put sideboards on the environmental review process and clarified the state's existing laws. Speaker Ler introduced House Bill 285, which he said was designed to provide clarity and efficiency to MEPA. The bill emphasizes that MEPA is a tool for assessing environmental impacts, not a regulatory mechanism. 'House Bill 285 sets the record straight: MEPA is procedural,' Ler said. 'It's a way to gather facts, weigh impacts and then make informed decisions, not dictate them. This bill reaffirms the Legislature's intent.' Ler's bill passed both Legislative chambers along party lines. Other MEPA-related bills drew more bipartisan support. House Bill 270, introduced by Rep. Katie Zolnikov, R-Billings, updates MEPA language to remove the parts invalidated by the Held decision, alters the process if someone fails to comply with the act, and prevents state agencies from vacating permits without considering the economic effects. Her bill saw unanimous support in the House and saw only a handful of opponents in the Senate. Similarly, Senate Bill 221, carried by Sen. Wylie Galt, R-Martinsdale, also drew support from both parties. His bill directed the Department of Environmental Quality to develop guidance on greenhouse gas emission assessments while aiming to prevent industry and development from getting bogged down in litigation. 'Our next steps will be to develop that guidance document that will outline exactly how we will do greenhouse gas assessments for fossil fuel activities, as well as what parameters we'll look at for non-fossil fuel activities,' said Sonja Nowakowski, director of DEQ. 'These will be very open and transparent processes, and we look forward to engaging with the public and getting everyone's input as we move forward.' Gianforte also signed House Bill 291, which prevents the state from adopting more stringent standards for air pollutants than the federal government; and House Bill 466, which defines 'categorial exclusions' for projects that do not require environmental assessments, similar to the National Environmental Policy Act. Combined, Gianforte said the package of bills would help protect the state's environment while bolstering the economy. 'Left unchecked, the rulings would have impacted our energy sector at a time when Americans have seen the cost of electricity soar nearly 30% over the last four years,' Gianforte said. Anne Hedges, director of the Montana Environmental Information Center, criticized many of the bills Gianforte signed, especially SB 221 and HB 285, saying they reduced MEPA to a 'paper exercise.' 'Without the requirements in MEPA to fully analyze a project's impacts, the state does not have a mechanism to comply with the public's constitutional rights to know, to participate, and to have a clean and healthful environment,' Hedges said in a prepared statement. 'The people of this state will not stand for a loss of these constitutional rights, and so these bills will only result in conflict and wasted state resources.' Gianforte has signed 222 bills into law, as of Thursday afternoon, out of a total 878 passed by the Montana Legislature, according to the state's bill tracker.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is the Eversource pipeline extension project in Springfield dead?
SPRINGFIELD — Nearly two years after state Energy Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper told Eversource it needs to provide more information on a proposed gas pipeline project, that supplement has not been filed. Since then, scant news has emerged about a controversial project to construct a new 5.3-mile, 16-inch diameter gas pipeline from Longmeadow into Springfield. Though it has been quiet publicly, Eversource says it's still moving forward on the proposal. The company is working on the supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Report Tepper asked for and is planning more community outreach later this year, said Tricia Taskey Modifica, an Eversource spokesperson. The utility company has said the additional pipeline is needed for reliability. The current line is more than 70 years old and issues with it could have 'dire' impacts on customers numbering in the hundreds of thousands. Opponents have raised concerns like health impacts on Springfield — considered an environmental justice community — and not wanting to build fossil fuel infrastructure when the state is trying to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In 2023, Tepper reviewed Eversource's draft environmental impact statement and said it didn't comply with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act, or MEPA. 'The (draft environmental impact report) has not fully justified the purpose and need for the project,' Tepper's 2023 report said, 'and does not explain why the risk of outage was determined to be unacceptably high at this location so as to warrant immediate action.' She decided Eversource needed to file a supplement that addresses more questions. There's no specific deadline by which the company needs to file its supplement, according to a spokesperson with the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The Eversource project would need additional approvals, including from the Energy Facilities Siting Board. In December 2022, that board held a public hearing, but it's waiting on the MEPA process to move forward, according to Alanna Kelly, a Department of Public Utilities spokesperson. The Department of Public Utilities has not yet determined whether project is needed for reliability, Kelly said. Once more information is presented, it will resume looking at the project, she said. A presiding officer hasn't been named to the siting board and DPU case, according to the state website. Eversource said it will do more public outreach this year, which Tepper's 2023 report requires. 'We'll have more on the community outreach and the filing later this year, likely in the latter half of 2025,' Modifica said in a statement. 'Community outreach will take several forms, including direct customer communication, door to door visits, coordination with municipalities and community organizations, stakeholder outreach, and public meetings.' Rusty Polsgrove, associate director and environmental justice organizer at Arise For Social Justice, has been underwhelmed by Eversource's advertising of outreach sessions in the past — and hopes for stronger community engagement. Polsgrove said Arise is pursuing possible legislative options to halt the project. 'We came out pretty strong against it,' Polsgrove said of the pipeline proposal. Eversource has to submit supplementary information, but 'that is just buying time to get our lawmakers' attention,' Polsgrove said. Gary Levine, chair of the Longmeadow Pipeline Awareness Group, which opposes the project, said he calls the state regularly to ask for updates. 'It's just lying there," he said. Some think the project is no longer happening and will say to Levine, 'Didn't it go away? Didn't it get settled?' he said. 'No,' he tells them, 'it's still there.' Springfield's City Council voted against the project in a 2022 resolution. The Longmeadow Select Board has also expressed opposition. The board is not actively working on the issue and is waiting on movement in the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act process, said Select Board Chair Vineeth Hemavathi. 'There's no informal or formal discussions with the town about this at this point,' said Richard Kanoff, an attorney who has represented Longmeadow in the matter. At this point, everyone but Eversource is waiting, he said. 'We're in a reactive state.' Springfield Partners for Community Action to Honor Legacy of Executive Director Paul Bailey Federal grant cuts will end WMass hands-on science program for third-graders With billions of dollars to be cut by feds, WMass elder care centers brace for the squeeze Amid annual crackdown on urban dirt bikes, Springfield mayor says city will push to make them illegal
Zawya
17-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Egypt: Medical Packaging reports 73.34% YoY profit hike in 2024
Arab Finance: Medical Packaging Company (MEPA) has posted a 73.34% year-on-year (YoY) increase in net profit during 2024, recording EGP 36.577 million, up from EGP 21.102 million, according to financial statements filed to the Egyptian Exchange (EGX) on March 16th. Sales rose to EGP 130.918 million last year from EGP 91.021 million in 2023. Medical Packaging is an Egypt-based public shareholding company engaged in the manufacturing of medical and pharmaceutical packaging products. The company focuses on the operations and establishment of a factory for the production of glass containers for the purpose of medical, pharmacy, laboratories, cosmetics, and perfumes. © 2020-2023 Arab Finance For Information Technology. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
