All State Policies: Montana
Who’s Responsible?
Below are short descriptions of relevant state agencies/departments by policy topic, followed by more information on specific policies.
Drinking Water: Montana Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Quality Division supports and implements measures to “conserve this valuable resource and ensure that clean lakes, streams, and rivers remain part of Montana’s natural heritage.” The Public Water Supply Bureau (PWS) administers programs that protect the state’s drinking water.
Policies
Drinking Water
Constitution of the State of Montana, Article 2, Part 2, Section 3 and Article 9, Part 9, Section 1
1972
Green Amendment
The state Constitution includes what is known as a “Green Amendment.” Article II, Part II, Section III (Inalienable Rights) states, “All persons are born free and have certain inalienable rights. They include the right to a clean and healthful environment and the rights of pursuing life’s basic necessities, enjoying and defending their lives and liberties, acquiring, possessing and protecting property, and seeking their safety, health and happiness in all lawful ways.”
Environmental Rights
Environmental rights are further described in Article IX, Part IX, Section I, which states, “The state and each person shall maintain and improve a clean and healthful environment in Montana for present and future generations.
(2) The legislature shall provide for the administration and enforcement of this duty.
(3) The legislature shall provide adequate remedies for the protection of the environmental life support system from degradation and provide adequate remedies to prevent unreasonable depletion and degradation of natural resources.”
Environmental Justice
Healthy Rivers
The 310 Law / The Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act
1975
The Natural Streambed and Land Preservation Act, also known as “The 310 Law” is administered by the Conservation Districts.
The purpose of the 310 law is to keep rivers and streams in as natural or existing condition as possible, to minimize sedimentation and to recognize beneficial uses. Any individual or corporation proposing construction in a perennial stream must apply for a 310 permit through the local conservation district.
