Montana Title 82. Minerals, Oil, and Gas § 82-4-255. Equal application of court costs

(1) Unless the context requires otherwise, a court or administrative agency that issues a final order in an action pursuant to Title 82, chapter 4, part 2, may award the prevailing party reasonable costs of litigation, including filing fees, attorney fees, and witness costs.

(2) In awarding costs pursuant to this section, the court or administrative agency may not consider the identity of any party, including but not limited to a permittee, permit applicant, agency, public interest litigant, or other party to an action. The party requesting costs bears the burden of proof and persuasion.

(3) This section supersedes prior rulings pursuant to the private attorney general doctrine.

(4) The provisions of this section apply equally to all parties in an action pursuant to this part.