TALLAHASSE, Fla. – The Florida Senate has passed a bill banning weather manipulation.
SB 56, passed on Thursday, would make it illegal to release chemicals or substances to manipulate temperature, weather climate or sunlight. This would include things like cloud seeding and geo-engineering.
Scientists use the practice to help bring rain to certain areas that need it. Supporters of the bill cite concerns about potential environmental and public health risks.
“This is about protecting Florida’s environment and public health. With no federal guidelines in place, Florida must take responsibility for its own airspace,” said Senator Ileana Garcia, (R) Miami.
If it becomes law, anyone in violation would face a third-degree felony.
“I’m not, you know, denying that there might be something going on. It’s just we have to have the right methodology to take care of it. And you know, that’s what we do in state government. It’s not right for us to just slap on fines or, you know, penalties for folks, if we don’t really know what we’re doing,” said Senator Tina Polsky, (D) Boca Raton.
The bill also calls for the creation of a hotline for the public to report suspicious activity. A similar bill is moving through the Florida house.