GeoLawWatch: Tracking Weather & Climate Legislation

Bill summary (AI generated)

This bill establishes the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act, aimed at prohibiting polluting atmospheric experimentation and practices within the state. It addresses concerns regarding various atmospheric interventions that involve the release of pollutants, particularly harmful substances such as Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." 

**Key Provisions:**

1. **Prohibition of Activities:** The bill explicitly prohibits the following activities:
   - Solar radiation modification (SRM)
   - Sunlight reflection methods (SRM)
   - Solar radiation management (SRM)
   - Cloud seeding
   - Weather modification
   - Other atmospheric experiments or interventions that release pollutants

2. **Regulatory Framework:** The act introduces a regulatory process to enforce these prohibitions, granting the Rhode Island state police the authority to investigate and enforce compliance with the new regulations. Violating the provisions could result in severe penalties, including felony charges and substantial fines.

3. **Investigative and Enforcement Powers:** The Rhode Island state police are tasked with monitoring and enforcing compliance with the regulations. They have the authority to issue cease-and-desist orders for any unlawful atmospheric activities.

4. **Implementation and Coordination:** If activities considered hazardous are federally approved, state authorities must notify the relevant federal agencies that such activities cannot be conducted within Rhode Island.

This legislative act aims to protect public health and safety by regulating atmospheric interventions that may lead to environmental pollution. The law will take effect upon passage.