Montana Code Annotated 2023

TITLE 7. LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CHAPTER 1. GENERAL PROVISIONS

Part 1. Nature of Self-GoverningLocal Governments and Local Government Prohibitions

Carbon Fees, Taxation, Or Penalties -- Prohibition

7-1-116. Carbon fees, taxation, or penalties -- prohibition. (1) A local government may not enact, adopt, implement, enforce, or refer to the electorate a rule, order, ordinance, or policy that includes fees, taxation, or penalties based on carbon or carbon use.

(2) (a) Fees, taxation, or penalties based on carbon or carbon use include formal or informal rules, orders, ordinances, or policies, including but not limited to:

(i) charges placed on resident or business electrical, natural gas, propane, or other energy bills or statements based on usage or carbon content; or

(ii) any other method, tax, or fee levied on the carbon content of fuels or electricity in the transportation or energy sector.

(b) This subsection (2)(b) does not include energy conservation bonds as provided in 7-7-141 or energy performance contracts pursuant to Title 90, chapter 4, part 11.

(3) Nothing in this section prohibits a local government from participating in a service offered through a tariff approved by the public service commission.

(4) For the purposes of this section, "local government" includes a county, a consolidated government, an incorporated city or town, or a special district.

History: En. Sec. 1, Ch. 329, L. 2021.