by Ben Catton
Despite bipartisan and small business support, Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed HB 477 and posted a video of him drinking out of a Styrofoam cup that said “VETO” on the side. Naturally, many in support of the bill took to the internet to express their displeasure, including this satirical, altered image.
Despite the legislature doing the right thing to address the harmful impacts of polystyrene (Styrofoam) and the heroic efforts by sponsor Rep. Marilyn Marler (D-Missoula), the Governor cynically vetoed HB 477. The bill aimed to phase out Styrofoam single-use food containers. After passing both legislative chmbers, it was on track to become a landmark piece of consumer protection and environmental legislation. Sadly, Gov. Greg Gianforte vetoed the bill, calling it “government overreach” and citing his personal appreciation for styrofoam’s insulative properties on his coffee.
His self-serving rationale ignored polystyrene’s impacts to human health and the environment. Styrofoam is non-biodegradable and non-recyclable, and it takes 500 years to break down in landfills. Styrene (a chemical in Styrofoam) leaches into foods and drinks, exposure to which can cause irritation of the skin, eyes and respiratory tract and gastrointestinal problems. Chronic exposure affects the nervous system, causing symptoms like depression, headache, fatigue and weakness, and minor effects on kidney function and blood. Styrofoam strains our waste systems. It breaks apart and looks like food to wildlife, which can get sick and die from eating it.
Eleven states have prohibited the use of styrofoam food containers. If Montana had joined that list, it would have been the first “red state” to do so — showing that Montanans of all stripes have more of an appetite for reasonable consumer protections than they do for eating microplastics and toxins. Rep. Marler and Sen. Shane Morigeau (D-Missoula) worked tirelessly across the aisle to find reasonable solutions for this issue.
The sector of the Republican caucus that identifies with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement, led by Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., is increasingly concerned about pollution, especially as it relates to food and human health. In addition, microplastics and “forever chemicals” (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a.k.a. PFAS) are so pervasive in our environment, that concerns around them are also reaching a fever pitch. That opening allowed for coalition-building across party lines to tackle the problem of styrofoam food containers, and it allowed for the passage of HJ 44 (Rep. Zach Wirth, R-Wolf Creek), a study resolution focused on endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and PFAS impacts on Montana water quality. This study will allow lawmakers to identify exposure routes, map contamination risks, and explore scientifically grounded solutions — including remediation strategies, product labeling, use restrictions, and legal mechanisms for accountability.
Montanans have deep appreciation for our public lands, clean water, and healthy soils, and most recognize that stewardship is a necessary value to maintain these resources. We hope to see this coalition-building continue in spite of a few bad actors.
This article was published in the June 2025 issue of Down To Earth.
