Rhode Island : 2024 Regular Session : BILL S2540
Establishes regulations to prohibit stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation, and other hazardous weather engineering activities.
Sponsor: Sen Elaine Morgan
Bill Details
HEALTH AND SAFETY -- THE RHODE ISLAND CLEAN AIR PRESERVATION ACT - Establishes regulations to prohibit stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation, and other hazardous weather engineering activities.
Bill summary
The Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act aims to establish regulations that prohibit specific hazardous weather engineering activities, particularly focusing on stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) and solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation.
The bill outlines that the release of hazardous chemicals, including environmental pollutants and electromagnetic radiation, into the atmosphere is restricted. Notable activities explicitly prohibited under the bill include:
- Stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI)
- Solar radiation modification (SRM) experimentation
- Weather modification activities, including cloud seeding
To enforce these regulations, the bill provides mechanisms for state police to issue cease-and-desist orders upon discovering any polluting atmospheric activities, and establishes penalties for violations, which may include hefty fines and imprisonment. The legislation also encourages public participation in monitoring and reporting potential violations.
The Rhode Island General Assembly emphasizes the necessity of this act as a protective measure for public health, the environment, and local biodiversity against the risks associated with these geoengineering activities. The act is set to take effect upon its passage.
History
The bill was introduced in March 2024 and initially referred to the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee. It was scheduled for a hearing on March 20, 2024, but following that hearing, the committee recommended that the measure be held for further study, indicating that it will not proceed at this time. As a result, the bill is currently in limbo, pending further review or action from the committee. If it is revived, it may be discussed again or amended before potentially advancing through the legislative process.
- Fri 01 Mar 2024 Introduced, referred to Senate Environment and Agriculture
- Fri 15 Mar 2024 Scheduled for hearing and/or consideration (03/20/2024)
- Wed 20 Mar 2024 Committee recommended measure be held for further study
Supplementary documents
No supplementary documents available