Senator introduces bill to prohibit geoengineering; committee narrows scope with research and agriculture exemptions

Senator Barrett presented Senate Bill 24-18, describing it as a prohibition on geoengineering that would amend section 49-17-5 to include a definition of the activity. Barrett read the bill's language that defines geoengineering as "the intentional injection, release or dispersion by any means of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the waters of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight." The sponsor said the measure was intended to affirm care for public health and safety.

During discussion, Barrett said he had received multiple emails from weather-engineering companies and that many constituents had sent photographs they call "chemtrails." He also agreed to two amendments the committee adopted: one by Senator Delano to exclude work done by institutions of higher learning for individual research projects, and another by Senator Barry clarifying that nothing in the section should be construed to prevent use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides on farming and ranching operations. After questions about cross-border "drift" and enforcement limits — to which Barrett replied drifting material raised federal jurisdiction questions — the committee voted to report SB 24-18 out of committee.

The sponsor and members noted the bill may need technical tweaks before final passage, and several speakers said the measure is intended as a starting point to address constituents' concerns about atmospheric releases. The committee recorded the amendments and reported the bill for further consideration.