Take Action: Support HB477 - Let’s Move Beyond Styrofoam

Regulating and reducing plastic and styrofoam consumption as been a battle, but this topic is worth our attention. We are so thankful for those continuing to push for regulation and reduction. Right now, House Bill 477 (thank you Marilyn Marler and Rebecca Brown) does just that!

HB 477 seeks to eliminate the use of styrofoam in food-related businesses. Expanded polystyrene (EPS aka styrofoam) is one of the most toxic types of plastic. It is harmful to life and pernicious in the environment. HB 477 would phase-out EPS across Montana between January 2028 and January 2030. The types of EPS products targeted include beverage cups, soup cups, and clamshell containers. Trays used for meat, fish, and eggs are exempt from this law.

They need your support!

On March 21st, 2025 (1pm) the Montana House of Representatives will have the 2nd Reading (debate and vote) of HB 477. Here is a recent guest column by Heidi Noyes describing the benefits of the bill.

“As we face the growing crisis of plastic pollution, we have another chance to lead. HB 477 would phase out polystyrene (styrofoam) food containers. HB 477 isn’t just about protecting our trout streams, our pristine landscapes, or even our own health; it’s about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of Montana’s economy.

For decades, we have seen materials once hailed as miracle products later exposed as harmful. History is “littered” with examples of substances we once embraced but later abandoned in favor of safer alternatives (think DDT, CFCs, asbestos, leaded gasoline, Teflon, and so on.)”

You can keep an eye on the bill using Montana Environmental Information Center’s Bill Tracker: https://meic.org/bill-tracker

What you can do:

• Call our text our representatives! Yours and other rural districts!

  • How to find your Legislator

  • Check out our workshop on how to call your Legislator

• Testify! (You can testify via zoom if you register beforehand!)

  • STEPS TO CREATE AN ACCOUNT:

    1. Navigate here: https://www.legmt.gov/participate/ (see image on next page)

    2. Click "Public Participation"

    3. Click "sign up now" to create an account.

    1. First enter your email address, then click “Send Verification Code”

    2. Check your email and copy and paste the code into the box called “Secondary Verification Code.” 

    3. Click “Verify Code” then continue inputting your contact information