🌊Proposed Amendments to Montana Surface Mining Regulations Announced
We, the Office of Surface Mining Reclamation and Enforcement (OSMRE), are announcing receipt of a proposed amendment to the Montana regulatory program (hereinafter, the Montana program) under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977 (SMCRA or the Act). Montana submitted this proposed amendment to us, on its own initiative, following the passage of Montana Senate Bill 365 (SB 365) during the 2025 legislative session. Montana proposes changes to the Montana Code Annotated (MCA) generally related to siltation structures and a proposed exception in the Montana regulation for exceedance of capacity violations if the exceedance is the result of a series of small storms and the operator takes active measures to restore pond capacity as soon as conditions permit. This notice also allows for a public comment period and the possibility for a public hearing, if one is requested.
Learn More✈️Establishment of Helena VORTAC as Low Altitude Reporting Point
This action proposes establishing the Helena (HLN), MT, Very High Frequency Omnidirectional Range/Tactical Air Navigation (VORTAC) as a Domestic Low Altitude Reporting Point in the state of Montana.
Learn More🪂New Restricted Area R-4601 Announcement and Business Implications
This action establishes restricted area R-4601 in the vicinity of Townsend, MT. The new restricted area will provide the Montana Army National Guard (MTARNG) and the 40th Helicopter Squadron with the ability to conduct aerial gunnery training in the Limestone Hills Training Area (LHTA).
Learn More🌬️Proposed Air Quality Regulations for Montana Business Compliance
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing to approve elements of a state implementation plan (SIP) submission from Montana regarding the infrastructure requirements of the Clean Air Act (CAA) for the 2015 ozone National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). The infrastructure requirements are designed to ensure that the structural components of each state's air quality management program are adequate to meet the state's responsibilities under the CAA. Additionally, EPA is proposing to approve Montana's request to update their SIP, to incorporate the most current version of the "Guideline on Air Quality Models." The EPA is taking this action pursuant to the CAA.
Learn More⛏️Notice of Intent to Amend Coal Resource Management Plan in Montana
In compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), and the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976, as amended, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Montana/ Dakotas State Director intends to prepare a resource management plan (RMP) amendment with an associated environmental assessment (EA) for the Miles City Field Office. This notice announces the beginning of the scoping period to solicit public comments, identify issues, provide the planning criteria for public review, and solicit coal resource and development potential data.
Learn More🗣️Notice of Montana Advisory Committee Public Meetings on Civil Rights
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, that the Montana Advisory Committee (Committee) to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public business meeting every second Thursday of the month (August 2025 through December 2025) via Zoom at 3:00 p.m. MT. The purpose of these meetings is to discuss civil rights concerns in the state.
Learn More🔌Notice of Hydro Project License Amendment and Public Engagement
The Department of Energy announces the acceptance of an application for a non-capacity amendment to the Missouri-Madison Hydroelectric Project, filed by NorthWestern Corporation. This notice invites public comments and participation from agencies regarding potential environmental impacts associated with the proposed upgrades. The application highlights plans for turbine replacements and minor upgrades that will not significantly alter project operations.
Learn More🏥PRCDA Redesignation Notice for Chippewa Cree Tribe in Montana
Notice is hereby given that the Indian Health Service (IHS) has decided to expand the geographic boundaries of the Purchased/Referred Care Delivery Area (PRCDA) for the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation ("Chippewa Cree Tribe" or "Tribe") to include the Montana County of Cascade. The final PRCDA for the Chippewa Cree Tribe now includes the Montana counties of Cascade, Choteau, Hill and Liberty. The sole purpose of this expansion is to authorize additional Chippewa Cree Tribal members and beneficiaries to receive Purchased/Referred Care (PRC) services.
Learn More🏞️Public Meeting Notice for Missouri Basin Resource Advisory Council
In accordance with the Federal Land Policy and Management Act of 1976 and the Federal Advisory Committee Act of 1972, the U.S. Department of the Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Missouri Basin Resource Advisory Council (RAC) will meet as follows.
Learn More📅Montana Advisory Committee Public Meeting Notice on Civil Rights
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to the provisions of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights (Commission) and the Federal Advisory Committee Act, that the Montana Advisory Committee (Committee) to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights will hold a public business meeting via Zoom at 2 p.m. MT on Thursday, June 26, 2025. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss civil rights concerns in the state as their study topic.
Learn More