The Florida Senate passed a bill banning geoengineering and weather modification activities in a 28-9 vote.
SB 56 states that the “injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of a chemical, a chemical compound, a substance, or an apparatus into the atmosphere within the borders of this state for the express purpose of affecting the temperature, weather, climate, or intensity of sunlight is prohibited.”
Those who participate in geoengineering, including “any public or private corporation,” have committed a felony of the third degree, the bill adds.
“Through this bill we are addressing modern environmental concerns brought forward by our constituents and eliminating any ambiguity regarding the legality of weather modification,” said Senator Ileana Garcia, the bill’s sponsor. “Currently there is no system in place to track reports and concerns our residents have regarding geoengineering and weather modification. The bill creates a system to log, track, investigate and mitigate if necessary, so residents can separate fact from fiction and have a better understanding of what is happening in their communities.”
Ahead of the Senate vote, Governor Ron DeSantis (R) said he supported the effort, but criticized the House version of the bill, which “gutted” portions of Garcia’s legislation.
“People got a lot of kooky ideas that they can get in and put things in the atmosphere and block the sun and save us from climate change,” DeSantis explained. “We’re not playing that game in Florida. I support what Senator Garcia is doing, and I hope that people will tell the House of Representatives in Florida to not gut this bill.”
Florida Surgeon General Joseph Ladapo similarly voiced support for the legislation.
“Big thanks to Senator Garcia for leading efforts to reduce geoengineering and weather modification activities in our Florida skies,” he wrote on X. “These planes release aluminum, sulfates, and other compounds with unknown and harmful effects on human health. We have to keep fighting to clean up the air we breathe, the water we drink, and the food we eat.”
