Alabama : 2025 Regular Session : BILL HB248
Atmosphere; dispersion of items intended to affect weather, prohibited
Sponsor: Rep Mack Butler
Bill Details
Atmosphere; dispersion of items intended to affect weather, prohibited
Bill summary (AI generated)
• The bill, titled "Atmosphere; dispersion of items intended to affect weather, prohibited," was introduced in the 2025 session and subsequently expired (sine die) on May 14, 2025. • Aim and Scope: Under existing air quality measures, this bill would have prohibited the dispersion of items into the atmosphere with the intention of affecting the weather. • Prohibition: No person may knowingly inject, release, or disperse, by any means, any chemical compound, substance, or apparatus within or above the state. • Prohibited Purpose: The purpose of the banned activity was defined as affecting weather, specifically including temperature or the intensity of sunlight. • Geoengineering/Weather Modification: The bill treats all atmospheric interventions aimed at manipulating weather (including temperature and sunlight intensity) under a general prohibition on affecting the weather. • Agencies/Penalties: The text provided for the 2025 HB248 does not specify criminal penalties, fines, or which state agency is responsible for enforcement. • Companion/Related Bill: The subsequent bill, HB25 (2026 session), contains similar prohibitions but includes specific provisions for a Class B misdemeanor criminal penalty (up to $100,000 fine). HB25 also establishes the Alabama Air Pollution Control Fund and requires the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) to administer the fund and establish a public email address and online form for reporting violations.
History
The bill was filed in November 2024 and has moved through several legislative stages. Initially assigned to various committees, it was modified by the Environment and Natural Resources committee before being referred to the Appropriations Committee on Agriculture, Environment, and General Government. Subsequently, the bill was presented to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism, where it is currently pending review. The next steps involve further discussion and potential voting within the House committee before it can proceed to the wider House and then to the Senate for consideration. The bill has not yet failed or passed, so its journey continues.
- Tue 11 Feb 2025 Read for the first time and referred to the House Committee on Economic Development and Tourism
- Tue 11 Feb 2025 Pending House Economic Development and Tourism
Bill text (Transcribed)
HB248 Alabama 2025 session
Atmosphere; dispersion of items intended to affect weather, prohibited
HB248 INTRODUCED
By Representatives Butler, Harrison, Yarbrough, Gidley, Stadthagen, Sells
RFD: Economic Development and Tourism
First Read: 11-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, certain measures are provided to maintain and improve air quality in this state.
This bill would prohibit the dispersion of items into the atmosphere with the intention of affecting the weather.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to atmosphere; to prohibit the dispersion of items intended to affect the weather within or above this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1.
No person may knowingly inject, release, or disperse, by any means, any chemical compound, substance, or apparatus within or above this state for the purpose of affecting weather, including temperature or the intensity of sunlight.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2025.
Atmosphere; dispersion of items intended to affect weather, prohibited
HB248 INTRODUCED
By Representatives Butler, Harrison, Yarbrough, Gidley, Stadthagen, Sells
RFD: Economic Development and Tourism
First Read: 11-Feb-25
SYNOPSIS:
Under existing law, certain measures are provided to maintain and improve air quality in this state.
This bill would prohibit the dispersion of items into the atmosphere with the intention of affecting the weather.
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to atmosphere; to prohibit the dispersion of items intended to affect the weather within or above this state.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1.
No person may knowingly inject, release, or disperse, by any means, any chemical compound, substance, or apparatus within or above this state for the purpose of affecting weather, including temperature or the intensity of sunlight.
Section 2. This act shall become effective on October 1, 2025.