Red state governor shoots down bill banning this common hospitality industry item

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte recently vetoed House Bill 477, a piece of legislation that aimed to phase out the use of Styrofoam containers by 2030. The bill, introduced by Democrat state Rep. Marilyn Marler, received bipartisan support in the Republican-majority legislature. However, Gianforte dubbed the legislation as “textbook government overreach” in his veto letter.

In his letter, the Republican governor emphasized that Montana should remain a sanctuary for freedom and free enterprise, contrasting it with the high taxes, high spending, and hyper-regulation found in deep blue, progressive states like California and Washington. He expressed surprise at the bill, stating that it dictated what restaurants, food establishments, bakeries, resorts, hotels, and others could use to package food and drinks.

Proponents of the legislation argued that Styrofoam poses health and environmental risks, with many places already phasing out its use. The bill highlighted that polystyrene foam causes environmental harm, threatens fish and wildlife, occupies space in landfills, and contributes to costly expansions funded by taxpayers. It aimed to ensure Montanans’ right to a clean and healthful environment.

Despite the environmental concerns raised by supporters of the bill, Gianforte questioned the targeting of specific industries, such as restaurants and food-service establishments, without including packaging supplies. He argued that singling out one industry for Styrofoam use seemed inconsistent with the bill’s intended purpose.

The governor also expressed concerns about the costs associated with banning Styrofoam, estimating that it could cost taxpayers around $300,000 through a new Montana Department of Environmental Quality program. Additionally, businesses might incur additional expenses if forced to switch to alternative packaging materials.

In a video posted online, Gianforte humorously remarked, “I enjoy hot coffee in a Styrofoam cup because it keeps it hot. And this bill is a hot mess.” He emphasized his opposition to what he considered costly government overreach.

The vetoed legislation has sparked debate among lawmakers and environmental advocates in Montana. While some support the push to eliminate Styrofoam for health and environmental reasons, others argue that the proposed ban could have unintended consequences for businesses and consumers.

As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether alternative measures will be introduced to address the concerns surrounding Styrofoam use in the state. Governor Gianforte’s veto serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in balancing environmental protection with economic considerations in policymaking.