HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 27
INTRODUCED BY K. BALES, CLANCY, OLSON
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA REQUESTING THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COUNCIL PROVIDE OVERSIGHT FOR THE PREPARATION OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF COAL-BED NATURAL GAS RESOURCES IN MONTANA AND PROVIDE FINDINGS TO THE LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, the need for an economical supply of clean burning energy is a national and state priority, Montana possesses reserves of clean-burning coal-bed natural gas, and the timely development of those resources is important; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of this state to promote efforts that will minimize damage to the human environment, prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources, maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment, and protect the right to use and enjoy private property; and
WHEREAS, with the enactment of the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), the Legislature intends that state agencies consider the consequences of agency actions prior to acting and to consider those consequences in a thorough, yet efficient, manner; and
WHEREAS, the state has determined that prior to authorizing further development of Montana coal-bed natural gas, a comprehensive environmental impact statement (EIS) addressing the impacts of the development must be completed by the Department of Environmental Quality and the Board of Oil and Gas Conservation in cooperation with other state and federal agencies; and
WHEREAS, the Environmental Quality Council has longstanding and statutorily required involvement in MEPA issues and has demonstrated strong bipartisan expertise in analyzing and reviewing MEPA implementation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MONTANA:
(1) That the Environmental Quality Council (EQC) be requested to provide oversight for the state's preparation or involvement in the preparation of the coal-bed natural gas development EIS as required by MEPA.
(2) That staff from the Department of Environmental Quality and the Board of Oil and Gas Conservation be requested to provide status reports on the progress and preparation of the coal-bed natural gas development EIS to the EQC on at least a quarterly basis until the EIS is complete.
(3) That the EQC serve as a forum for members of the public to present any concerns regarding the timing and cost-effectiveness of the coal-bed natural gas development EIS.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the oversight functions, including presentation, conclusions and reporting, be concluded prior to September 15, 2002.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the EQC prepare a brief report of its findings and conclusions concerning the coal-bed natural gas MEPA process and present the report, including any findings, conclusions, comments, or recommendations of the EQC, to the Governor and to the 58th Legislature.
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