Bill > H4624

This bill, titled the "South Carolina Clean Air Act," amends existing state law to prohibit the intentional release of any substance into the atmosphere for the purpose of altering temperature, weather patterns, or sunlight intensity, a practice sometimes referred to as geoengineering or stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI). It establishes criminal penalties for violations, including significant fines and lengthy prison sentences, with penalties escalating for repeat offenses. The bill also mandates that the Department of Environmental Services make public information about the health and property risks associated with such atmospheric releases and prohibits exemptions from the state's Freedom of Information Act for related documents. Furthermore, it empowers private citizens to file lawsuits against the federal government or entities like airports, chemical vendors, pilots, and flight companies involved in facilitating these activities, offering legal protections and civil remedies, including nominal damages and attorney fees, even without proving actual harm.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=4624&session=126&summary=B