Interim study of endocrine-disrupting chemicals and water quality

69th Legislature HJ 44
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ENROLLED BILL
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS,
PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES, AND WATER QUALITY; AND REQUIRING
THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.
WHEREAS, human reproduction is declining around the world, affecting men, women, and children;
and
WHEREAS, the decline in reproduction is attributed to unhealthy lifestyles and chemicals in the
environment; and
WHEREAS, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenol A, flame-retardants, and
pesticides, interfere with the body's hormonal systems; and
WHEREAS, these endocrine-disrupting chemicals are found in toys, plastic drinking bottles, cleaning
supplies, house dust, home furniture, electronics, building materials, fragrances, food, food packaging, personal
care products, and drinking water; and
WHEREAS, exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity
disorder, asthma, obesity, and early puberty in children; thyroid disorders, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, and
infertility in women; and thyroid disorders, diabetes, obesity, infertility, prostate cancer, and low sperm count in
men; and
WHEREAS, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large, complex group of
synthetic chemicals that have been used in consumer products and may affect human health; and
WHEREAS, PFAS are mobile, persistent, and bioaccumulative and are not known to degrade in the
environment; and
WHEREAS, the Department of Environmental Quality has preliminarily studied PFAS and noted the
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health risks associated with PFAS; and
WHEREAS, statewide solutions should be explored in Montana to reduce or eliminate the potential
risks posed by PFAS to human health and the environment; and
WHEREAS, declining birth rates and increasing life expectancy may create a "demographic time bomb"
as future generations struggle to meet the needs and obligations of an older population, thereby reducing
economic growth, decreasing tax revenue, and increasing health care costs; and
WHEREAS, declining sperm counts, diminished ovarian reserves, and increasing miscarriage rates
could eventually threaten survival of the human race; and
WHEREAS, as a modest first step to combat what could become a global calamity, the Montana
Legislature should examine the threats of these chemicals in our drinking water.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF
THE STATE OF MONTANA:
That the Legislative Council be requested to designate an appropriate interim committee or statutory
committee, pursuant to section 5-5-217, MCA, or direct sufficient staff resources to:
(1) review how existing state water quality laws and federal acts, including the Clean Water Act
and the Safe Drinking Water Act, protect water quality in Montana and regulate endocrine-disrupting chemicals;
(2) study the presence of PFAS in Montana, including potential sources of PFAS, sampling and
testing methods to identify the presence of PFAS, and routes of human and ecological exposure;
(3) analyze research related to the health effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals;
(4) determine, if possible, the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in Montana; and
(5) offer recommendations for future study, rulemaking, or changes to law related to water quality,
PFAS, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that if the study is assigned to staff, any findings or conclusions be
presented to and reviewed by an appropriate committee designated by the Legislative Council.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that all aspects of the study, including presentation and review
requirements, be concluded prior to September 15, 2026.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the final results of the study, including any findings, conclusions,
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comments, or recommendations of the appropriate committee, be reported to the 70th Legislature.
- END -
I hereby certify that the within bill,
HJ 44, originated in the House.
___________________________________________
Chief Clerk of the House
___________________________________________
Speaker of the House
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
___________________________________________
President of the Senate
Signed this _______________________________day
of____________________________________, 2025.
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 44
INTRODUCED BY Z. WIRTH, B. GILLESPIE, M. YAKAWICH, B. BEARD, S. FITZPATRICK, D. BEDEY, E.
BYRNE, P. FIELDER, C. HINKLE, S. KELLY, G. KMETZ, T. MILLETT, B. MITCHELL, M. NIKOLAKAKOS, L.
REKSTEN, K. WALSH
A JOINT RESOLUTION OF THE SENATE AND THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF
MONTANA REQUESTING AN INTERIM STUDY OF ENDOCRINE-DISRUPTING CHEMICALS,
PERFLUOROALKYL AND POLYFLUOROALKYL SUBSTANCES, AND WATER QUALITY; AND REQUIRING
THAT THE FINAL RESULTS OF THE STUDY BE REPORTED TO THE 70TH LEGISLATURE.