HB2042

THE CONTEXT: A.R.S. Title 45 Chapter 9 (Weather Control and Cloud Modification) outlines the regulation of weather control and cloud modification in Arizona. Currently, any person or corporation, other than the U.S. and its administrative agencies or the state, is prohibited from conducting any weather control or cloud modification operations or attempting to artificially produce rainfall without a license from the Arizona Department of Water Resources Director (Director). For those who are licensed to conduct such activities, a report with a final evaluation of the project must be filed with the Director within 90 days after the conclusion of the project (A.R.S. 45-1601 and 45-1604 ).

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would prohibit a person from intentionally injecting, releasing or dispensing or causing the injection, release or dispensation of any material within the boundaries of Arizona for solar radiation management, mandate that a political subdivision of the state, any public university or any private entity that receives public monies may not provide any grants for the development of solar radiation management technologies, and allow any resident of the state to submit a complaint to the Attorney General alleging a violation of the solar radiation management prohibition if they state: a) the name and contact information of the resident who submits the complaint; b) the date or dates the alleged violation occurred; c) a description of the alleged violation and the location, method and substances or compounds used, if known; and d) any applicable supporting evidence or documentation.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to set a clear legal boundary for solar radiation management instead of leaving the conduct unaddressed. It would prohibit a person from intentionally injecting, releasing or dispensing or causing the injection, release or dispensation of any material within the boundaries of Arizona for solar radiation management, and would also mandate that a political subdivision of the state, any public university or any private entity that receives public monies may not provide any grants for the development of solar radiation management technologies, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.