The Montana Chamber of Commerce, along with the Billings and Kalispell Chambers of Commerce, filed a motion on Apr. 20 to intervene in the ongoing Held v. Montana lawsuit, aiming to preserve recent legislative reforms targeted by the case.
The move is significant because it addresses potential changes to environmental policy that could affect how businesses operate across Montana. The chambers argue that overturning these reforms could impact any business requiring state permits.
In a statement, Todd O’Hair, President and CEO of the Montana Chamber of Commerce, said, “If the plaintiffs are successful with their litigation, the fallout will reverberate throughout Montana’s economy, with potential impacts to any business that needs a permit from the state of Montana.” O’Hair added, “The reforms passed in 2025 create a process that is reasonable, predictable, and realistic, allowing Montana businesses to comply and thrive. Intervening in this case allows the expertise of Montana businesses to explain the real-world impacts that would result if the Held litigants were successful.”
According to information released by the chambers, after an earlier Supreme Court ruling required greenhouse gas analysis under the Montana Environmental Policy Act (MEPA), lawmakers enacted new MEPA reforms and established a framework for such analysis during their most recent session. The current lawsuit challenges these changes and calls for broader measures from state agencies regarding greenhouse gas emissions.
Specific laws named include SB 221—which sets up procedures for analyzing greenhouse gases—and HB 285—which clarifies MEPA’s procedural role rather than serving as grounds for litigation or delays. The suit also opposes HB 291’s amendment to ensure air quality regulations do not exceed federal standards.
Founded in 1937, the Montana Chamber represents about 2,000 members statewide.
