69th Legislature HJ 71.1
- 1 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 71
1 HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 71
2 INTRODUCED BY J. COHENOUR
3
4 A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
5 MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF THE IMPACTS OF FEDERAL FUNDING CHANGES ON
6 THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY; AND REQUIRING THAT THE RESULTS OF THE
7 STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
8
9 WHEREAS, the federal government has recently made changes or has signaled potential changes to
10 federal funding provided to states; and
11 WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality budget is funded 63.4% by state dollars and
12 36.6% by federal dollars; and
13 WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality currently has 376.04 full-time equivalent
14 positions that are funded fully or partially using federal dollars; and
15 WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality has numerous programs, including the Central
16 Management Program, Water Quality Division, Waste Management and Remediation Division, and Air, Energy,
17 and Mining Division programs, that rely on federal funding or receive a federal match to operate and remain
18 viable; and
19 WHEREAS, the impact of changes to federal funding may necessitate significant actions by Montana's
20 Executive and Legislative branches, including the replacement of lost funding, the development or modification
21 of programs or structures that are being reduced or eliminated through federal directives, the adjustment of
22 budgets, and the provision of assistance to the many state employees whose positions are funded using federal
23 dollars and who may lose employment.
24
25 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
26 THE STATE OF MONTANA:
27 That the Legislative Council be requested to designate the Legislative Finance Committee established
28 in section 5-12-201, MCA, to: 69th Legislature HJ 71.1
- 2 - Authorized Print Version – HJ 71
1 (1) review the federal directives made since January 20, 2025, that affect the Department of
2 Environmental Quality and analyze the impact on Montana citizens and on local, tribal, and state government
3 programs, including but not limited to the impacts on:
4 (a) agency operations and budgets;
5 (b) agency functions as a result of any reduction in personnel due to a loss of federal funding; and
6 (c) sustainment of programs operated by the agency that utilize federal funding;
7 (2) analyze how the loss of revenue may result in a loss of agency operations and overall
8 functionality; and
9 (3) analyze how a reduction in the federal workforce may impact the Department of Environmental
10 Quality in relation to project operation and other functions.
11 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the committee present findings to appropriate interim committees,
12 including policy committees, the Modernization and Risk Analysis Committee, and interim budget committees.
13 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
14 requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
15 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
16 comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
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