Pat O'Herren writes: Requires state govt to consult local govt in scoping process for projects that may affect local govt. After the scoping process and before opening a project for public comments, state officials to provide local govt with a summary of issues to be analyzed and allows opportunity for local govt to comment on summary and to request a meeting about the summary with the appropriate state official. Not sure, but may only apply to transmission line or pipelines. Suggest SUPPORT.
Missoula County opposes HB 232 - revise Montana environmental policy act for local government consult - heard before the House Natural Resources committee yesterday afternoon. HB 232 is too ambiguous to support and would tend to fracture the current consultation process by adding unnecessary bureaucratic layers to potential projects beneficial to all Montanans. For example, regarding pipeline and transmission line projects, the bill may further sacrifice state-wide goals to meet extremely local concerns as it requires state agencies to consult "only" with local governments that are directly impacted by transmission or pipeline "passes". Please oppose HB 232. Respectfully, Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Representatives Barrett, Hands, and Reinhart, You may have received an earlier message regarding Missoula County's opposition to HB 232. To clarify, the bill could be amended to address the ambiguities and concerns expressed in the earlier email. Missoula County is exploring amendments that could make the bill more beneficial. Consequently, it would be helpful to have additional time to iron out these amendments. Respectfully, Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Pat O'Herren writes:
ReplyDeleteWatch
Pat O'Herren writes:
ReplyDeleteRequires state govt to consult local govt in scoping process for projects that may affect local govt. After the scoping process and before opening a project for public comments, state officials to provide local govt with a summary of issues to be analyzed and allows opportunity for local govt to comment on summary and to request a meeting about the summary with the appropriate state official. Not sure, but may only apply to transmission line or pipelines. Suggest SUPPORT.
Missoula County opposes HB 232 - revise Montana environmental policy act for local government consult - heard before the House Natural Resources committee yesterday afternoon. HB 232 is too ambiguous to support and would tend to fracture the current consultation process by adding unnecessary bureaucratic layers to potential projects beneficial to all Montanans. For example, regarding pipeline and transmission line projects, the bill may further sacrifice state-wide goals to meet extremely local concerns as it requires state agencies to consult "only" with local governments that are directly impacted by transmission or pipeline "passes".
ReplyDeletePlease oppose HB 232.
Respectfully,
Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners
Representatives Barrett, Hands, and Reinhart,
ReplyDeleteYou may have received an earlier message regarding Missoula County's opposition to HB 232. To clarify, the bill could be amended to address the ambiguities and concerns expressed in the earlier email. Missoula County is exploring amendments that could make the bill more beneficial. Consequently, it would be helpful to have additional time to iron out these amendments.
Respectfully,
Dale Bickell on behalf of the Board of County Commissioners