Sweetwater County Board Supports Increased Cloud Seeding Funding Amid Drought Concerns

The recent meeting of the Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee in Wyoming highlighted significant discussions surrounding cloud seeding and its implications for water resource management in the state. As drought conditions worsen, the committee is grappling with the effectiveness and ethical considerations of cloud seeding as a method to augment water supplies.

One of the primary advocates for cloud seeding, a representative from the Joint Powers Water Board, emphasized the program's importance in mitigating the impacts of potential water curtailments due to Colorado River compact calls. The speaker noted that cloud seeding has been a part of their strategy for five years, with funding increased to support its continuation. They argued that even small amounts of additional water from cloud seeding could delay the adverse effects of water shortages on both municipal and industrial users, ultimately benefiting the community.

However, the meeting also featured strong opposition to cloud seeding from various public commenters. Critics raised concerns about the experimental nature of cloud seeding, citing a 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report that questioned its effectiveness and highlighted ethical issues surrounding consent for atmospheric experimentation. One speaker, representing Americans for a Clean Atmosphere, argued that cloud seeding adds aerosol pollution to the atmosphere and lacks proven benefits, calling for a reevaluation of such practices.

Further dissent came from individuals who linked cloud seeding to broader geoengineering efforts, suggesting that these programs could be exacerbating drought conditions rather than alleviating them. They urged the committee to consider legislation that would ban geoengineering practices altogether, emphasizing the need for transparency and whistleblower protections for those involved in these programs.

The discussions underscored a growing divide in public opinion regarding cloud seeding, with some viewing it as a necessary tool for water management in an increasingly arid climate, while others see it as an unethical and ineffective measure that could have harmful environmental and health impacts.

As the committee moves forward, the future of cloud seeding in Wyoming remains uncertain, with calls for further research and public engagement on the topic. The outcome of these discussions could significantly influence water resource policies in the state, particularly as residents face the realities of climate change and its effects on water availability.