Gianforte vetoes Styrofoam phase-out bill in Montana

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have phased out Styrofoam food containers in restaurants, citing concerns about government overreach, increased costs for businesses and consumers, and the creation of a new $300,000 government program. Gianforte defended his decision through letters and a social media video, arguing that such choices should be left to consumers and businesses, not mandated by the state. Supporters of the bill, including its sponsor Rep. Marilyn Marler, criticized the governor's rationale as misinformed and emphasized the bill’s intent to protect human health and the environment by reducing exposure to chemicals linked to cancer and hormone disruption. The bill, which passed both legislative chambers with bipartisan support, specifically targeted food-related establishments while exempting other industries like packaging and shipping. Despite backing from some business owners and environmental advocates, the bill cannot be overridden since the legislature has adjourned. Some Montana restaurants had already moved away from using Styrofoam, regardless of the bill’s fate.