The New Hampshire Legislature has introduced House Bill 764, a significant piece of legislation aimed at regulating environmental practices within the state. Introduced on January 23, 2025, the bill seeks to prohibit the intentional release of polluting emissions, specifically targeting geoengineering activities such as cloud seeding, weather modification, and the use of excessive electromagnetic radio frequency and microwave radiation.

The bill outlines strict penalties for violations, which can include fines of up to $25,000 per incident, as well as potential misdemeanor or felony charges. Notably, while the bill generally bans geoengineering practices, it allows for cloud seeding during declared catastrophic droughts, provided that strict conditions and public notice requirements are met. The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (DES) will be responsible for enforcing these regulations, including overseeing permitted cloud seeding operations and notifying relevant federal and state agencies about the new prohibitions.

The fiscal note accompanying the bill indicates that it does not authorize new funding or positions, but it anticipates indeterminable increases in expenditures ranging from $500,000 to over $1 million in the coming years. This financial impact is attributed to the costs associated with enforcing the new regulations and ensuring compliance.

Debate surrounding HB 764 has already begun, with proponents arguing that the bill is essential for protecting the environment and public health from potentially harmful geoengineering practices. Critics, however, may raise concerns about the implications for agricultural practices and water management, particularly regarding the restrictions on cloud seeding during drought conditions.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could resonate beyond New Hampshire, potentially influencing similar regulatory efforts in other states. The outcome of this legislation will be closely monitored by environmental advocates and industry stakeholders alike, as it addresses a growing concern over the environmental impacts of geoengineering technologies.