Montana Governor Vetoes Styrofoam Ban, Slams Government Overreach

Montana Governor Greg Gianforte has vetoed a bill aiming to phase out Styrofoam containers, calling it a classic case of government overstepping its bounds. House Bill 477, pushed by Democrat Rep. Marilyn Marler, sought to ban these containers in restaurants and hospitality businesses by 2028, with a full phase-out by 2030. Despite some bipartisan backing in the Republican-led legislature, Gianforte wasn’t having it.

In his veto letter, the governor argued that Montana should remain a haven for freedom and free enterprise, not mimic blue states like California with their heavy-handed regulations. He questioned why the bill singled out restaurants while ignoring other industries using Styrofoam, like packaging. "If you’re going to ban something, at least be consistent," he quipped, pointing out the bill’s selective focus.

Supporters of the legislation highlighted Styrofoam’s environmental and health risks, noting its harm to wildlife and its clutter in landfills. They argued that many businesses have already ditched the material voluntarily. However, Gianforte estimated the ban would cost taxpayers $300,000 through a new Montana Department of Environmental Quality program, potentially hiking costs for consumers as businesses adapt.

"I like my coffee hot in a Styrofoam cup, and this bill is a hot mess," Gianforte said in a video on X, blending humor with his firm stance. The veto underscores his broader push to keep Montana free from what he sees as regulatory overreach, letting businesses and consumers make their own choices.