CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) — A newly introduced bill in the West Virginia Legislature would prohibit geoengineering and weather-modification activities in or above the state, citing concerns about public health, agriculture, and environmental safety.
House Bill 5513 proposes creating a new state law that would ban any intentional atmospheric manipulation, including practices such as cloud seeding, aerosol injection, solar radiation modification, and other environmental engineering methods.
Statewide prohibition proposed
Under the legislation, no individual, company, government agency, or organization would be allowed to conduct geoengineering activities within West Virginia. The Department of Environmental Protection would be required to investigate credible reports and order any violators to immediately stop such activities.
The proposal also directs the state to notify federal agencies or international entities that such activities cannot legally take place over West Virginia if they are identified.
Public reporting encouraged
The bill would require the department to publish quarterly public notices encouraging residents to report suspected geoengineering activity. Citizens could submit photographs, videos, lab data, or other evidence for review.
Local or state officials who receive information suggesting such activity would be required to report it to the state within 24 hours.
Heavy penalties included
Violations could bring steep penalties, including civil fines up to $25,000 per day and potential felony charges. Anyone knowingly engaging in prohibited geoengineering could face additional penalties of at least $500,000, along with possible prison time.
Purpose of the bill
Lawmakers say the measure is intended to protect the state’s air, water, soil, agriculture, and residents from atmospheric experiments and pollution caused by intentional environmental manipulation.
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The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Government Organization and then the Judiciary for consideration.
