West Virginia : 2025 Regular Session : BILL HB3207
Prohibition of geoengineering
Sponsor: Rep Denny Canterbury & Rep Roy Cooper
Bill Details
The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.
Bill summary (AI generated)
House Bill 3207, introduced on March 6, 2025, and referred to the House Energy and Public Works Committee, acts as a companion bill to HB2758, aiming for the prohibition of geoengineering. Like its companion, HB3207 seeks to add a new section (§22-5-21) to the Code of West Virginia, Article 5 (Air Pollution Control). The core of the bill prohibits the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus into the atmosphere within the state's borders. This ban applies explicitly when the purpose is to affect temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight. The legislative findings cite the possibility that federal or non-government entities may conduct geoengineering experiments in West Virginia, and that the risks to human health and environmental welfare from such broad-scale activities are not adequately understood. The legislative intent is to protect the public health and welfare of West Virginians. If enacted, the law would take effect within 30 days of passage.
History
The bill was first filed for introduction in March 2025 and then transitioned through various committees, including Environment and Natural Resources and Appropriations. It was subsequently read in the House, which marks its introduction into that chamber of the legislature. Currently, the bill is under review by the House Energy and Public Works Committee. The next steps involve discussions and possible amendments in that committee, followed by potential votes to determine if it will move forward in the legislative process. The bill has not yet failed or passed, and its status remains active as it awaits further action.
- Thu 06 Mar 2025 Filed for introduction
- Thu 06 Mar 2025 To Energy and Public Works
- Thu 06 Mar 2025 Introduced in House
- Thu 06 Mar 2025 To House Energy and Public Works
Bill text (Transcribed)
West Virginia : 2025 Regular Session : BILL HB3207
Prohibition of geoengineering
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
2025 REGULAR SESSION
House Bill 3207
By Delegates Canterbury and Cooper
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §22-5-21, relating to prohibiting the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 5. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL.
§22-5-21. Prohibiting dispersion of chemicals or apparatus into the atmosphere to intentionally affect temperature, weather, or the intensity of sunlight.
(a) Legislative findings: The Legislature finds that:
(1) It is documented that the federal government or other entities acting on the federal government's behalf or at the federal government's request, or non-government entities may conduct geoengineering experiments by intentionally dispersing chemicals into the atmosphere, and those activities may occur within the state of West Virginia;
(2) The risk to human health and environmental welfare from broad scale geoengineering is currently not well understood;
(3) The West Virginia Department of Environment Protection is responsible for monitoring air, soil, and water quality, and regulating industrial and agricultural emissions into the air, soil, and water within the state to ensure the safety of the public, while not impeding agriculture or commerce within the state; and
(4) It is the intent of the Legislature to protect the public health and welfare of West Virginians while allowing all authorized activities permitted under state law; now, therefore,
(b) The intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight is prohibited.
(c) This act takes effect within 30 days of passage.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.
Prohibition of geoengineering
WEST VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE
2025 REGULAR SESSION
House Bill 3207
By Delegates Canterbury and Cooper
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §22-5-21, relating to prohibiting the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 5. AIR POLLUTION CONTROL.
§22-5-21. Prohibiting dispersion of chemicals or apparatus into the atmosphere to intentionally affect temperature, weather, or the intensity of sunlight.
(a) Legislative findings: The Legislature finds that:
(1) It is documented that the federal government or other entities acting on the federal government's behalf or at the federal government's request, or non-government entities may conduct geoengineering experiments by intentionally dispersing chemicals into the atmosphere, and those activities may occur within the state of West Virginia;
(2) The risk to human health and environmental welfare from broad scale geoengineering is currently not well understood;
(3) The West Virginia Department of Environment Protection is responsible for monitoring air, soil, and water quality, and regulating industrial and agricultural emissions into the air, soil, and water within the state to ensure the safety of the public, while not impeding agriculture or commerce within the state; and
(4) It is the intent of the Legislature to protect the public health and welfare of West Virginians while allowing all authorized activities permitted under state law; now, therefore,
(b) The intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight is prohibited.
(c) This act takes effect within 30 days of passage.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to prohibit the injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight.