Governor Gianforte Vetoes Bipartisan Styrofoam Ban in Montana
BILLINGS – In a contentious move, Governor Greg Gianforte has vetoed House Bill 477, a bipartisan effort to ban most Styrofoam products in Montana’s restaurants. The bill aimed to phase out polystyrene used in single-use food containers, garnering support from both Republicans and Democrats in the state legislature, passing with a vote of 56-41 in the House and 26-22 in the Senate.
Gianforte, expressing his position via social media, labeled the legislation “a hot mess” and criticized it as “costly government overreach.” He asserted that the ban would impose significant costs on taxpayers—up to $300,000 for a new government program—and burden approximately 7,500 Montanan restaurants, businesses, and consumers with higher operational expenses.
Local sentiment regarding the veto was mixed. At Montana Brewing Company in Billings, which has already transitioned away from Styrofoam containers, employee Joshua Erbacher acknowledged the disappointment among proponents of the bill. “I imagine the people that fought hard to get past will be disappointed,” he remarked.
Conversely, supporters of the ban, like server Kylie Eckhardt, see the legislation as a step towards environmental leadership for future generations. “I think being a leader in doing this is going to set a precedent,” she noted.
Despite the veto, the debate around environmental responsibility and the impacts of single-use plastics in Montana continues. Advocates remain hopeful that discussions will persist, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and fostering sustainability in the state’s dining industry amidst Gianforte’s rejection of the bill.
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