Committee approves printing of RS 32229C1 to increase cloud-seeding transparency

Senator Tammy Nichols presented RS 32229C1 on Feb. 18 to create reporting requirements for cloud-seeding operations in Idaho and to increase public transparency about where and how seeding occurs.

Nichols told the Senate Agricultural Committee that the draft would require cloud-seeding operators, both state-run and private, to submit monthly and annual reports listing locations of seeding activities, materials used and effects on the environment. The Idaho Water Resource Board would be required to publish the annual reports on its website and present findings in public meetings, Nichols said. She described the measure as intended to provide “transparency and accountability” where, she said, no systematic reporting currently exists.

Committee members asked questions about partners and the factual basis for the reporting requirement. Senator Lent asked Nichols to identify partners; Nichols said the bill language was developed with the Idaho Water Resource Board. Senator Glynn said he would vote to print but expressed concern about adding regulatory layers and requested strong supporting evidence when the bill returns to committee. Senator Blaylock asked why reporting requirements were being added now; Nichols replied that other states are debating cloud-seeding restrictions and that Idaho should ensure transparent stewardship of public funds.

Senator Caul moved to send RS 32229C1 to print; the motion was seconded and the committee approved the measure by voice vote, advancing the draft to printing and further consideration.