Bill > HB5513

This bill, titled "To prohibit cloud seeding in WV," aims to protect West Virginia's environment and citizens from what it terms "geoengineering experiments," which are defined as intentional manipulations of the environment through atmospheric polluting activities. The bill explicitly prohibits "geoengineering," a broad term encompassing weather modification, aerosol injection (releasing particles into the stratosphere), solar radiation modification (reflecting sunlight), and specifically "cloud seeding" (introducing substances into clouds to induce precipitation). The legislation asserts that these activities endanger human health, safety, the environment, air and water resources, wildlife, agriculture, aviation, state security, and the economy. It also states that West Virginia citizens do not consent to federal or international geoengineering efforts. The bill empowers the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection to investigate reports of geoengineering, issue cease and desist orders, and impose penalties, which can include substantial civil fines of up to $25,000 per day for violations and a minimum of $500,000 for knowingly engaging in geoengineering, along with potential felony charges and imprisonment for knowing violations. The Department is also tasked with publishing notices to encourage public monitoring and reporting of suspected geoengineering activities, and local and state officials are required to report such suspicions within 24 hours.

Government Affairs

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5513&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill