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IA SF142

A bill for an act relating to the prohibition of geoengineering activities, providing penalties, and including effective date provisions.


summary

Introduced
01/28/2025
In Committee
01/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

91st General Assembly

Bill Summary

This bill relates to geoengineering by creating penalties and enforcement procedures for persons engaging in such practices. A person who engages in polluting atmospheric activity, cloud seeding, or weather engineering commits a class “D” felony. A class “D” felony is punishable by confinement for no more than five years and a fine of at least $1,025, but not more than $10,245. Each day the person violates this restriction is treated as a separate offense. Additionally, if these practices are suspected, the department of public safety (DPS) is authorized to issue the suspected person a cease and desist letter having the weight of a court order. The bill states that the federal government and armed forces must abide by these restrictions. Should an act approved explicitly or implicitly by the federal government or armed forces be in violation of these restrictions, the department shall issue a notice to the appropriate federal agency that the actions are unlawful. DPS may refer violations to the Iowa air national guard if DPS deems such referral as necessary. The bill takes effect upon enactment.

AI Summary

This bill introduces comprehensive regulations regarding geoengineering activities in Iowa, defining and prohibiting specific atmospheric manipulation practices. The bill defines three key terms: "cloud seeding" (dispersing chemicals to modify precipitation), "polluting atmospheric activity" (deliberately discharging substances or energy into the atmosphere that could harm health or environment), and "weather engineering" (intentionally altering weather or climate through artificial means). Under this legislation, engaging in any of these activities would be prohibited, with violators facing significant legal consequences, including a class "D" felony charge that could result in up to five years of confinement and a fine between $1,025 and $10,245, with each day of violation considered a separate offense. The Department of Public Safety is empowered to issue cease and desist orders with the legal weight of a court order, and is also required to notify federal agencies if they are conducting activities that would violate these restrictions. The bill applies to all entities, including federal government and armed forces, and allows the department to refer potential violations to the Iowa Air National Guard if deemed necessary. The legislation takes effect immediately upon enactment, reflecting its perceived urgency in regulating potentially harmful atmospheric manipulation practices.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Subcommittee: Schultz, Blake, and Bousselot. S.J. 178. (on 02/03/2025)

bill text


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