An act relating to prohibiting geoengineering

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Carolyn Branagan and 19 co-sponsors

Vermont would ban geoengineering activities within its borders, defining prohibited interventions and outlining enforcement to prevent climate-modifying projects.

Read first time and referred to the Committee on Environment

Summary of H.217 (2025-2026) — An act relating to prohibiting geoengineering

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to prohibit geoengineering activities within the jurisdiction of Vermont. Its primary aim is to prevent actions that modify the Earth's climate or atmospheric processes through deliberate large-scale interventions not currently approved or regulated as standard environmental practices.

Key provisions and changes (what the bill would do)

Prohibition of geoengineering: Establishes a ban on geoengineering activities. While the text provided does not include the full statutory language, the central intent is to make certain climate- intervention techniques illegal within Vermont.

Scope of activities: The act would define what constitutes geoengineering (e.g., large-scale solar radiation management, stratospheric aerosol injection, ocean fertilization, and other deliberate atmospheric or environmental modification activities). It would specify activities prohibited or regulated under state law.

Enforcement mechanisms: The bill would set forth enforcement provisions, potentially including penalties, civil remedies, or administrative actions for violations. This could involve state agencies responsible for environmental protection and public health.

Preemption and compatibility: The act may address its relationship to federal law and existing state programs, clarifying that it does not conflict with permissible research or government-authorized programs, or it may outline permitting requirements for any related activities.

Human health, safety, and environmental considerations: Provisions are likely included to protect residents, ecosystems, and land/water resources from unintended consequences of prohibited or regulated activities.

Who or what would be affected

Individuals and entities engaging in geoengineering activities within Vermont would be restricted, making such actions unlawful or regulated.

Government agencies and officials responsible for environmental compliance, permitting, and enforcement would implement and oversee the provisions.

Institutions and researchers involved in atmospheric or environmental modification could be affected if their activities fall under the prohibition or if exemptions are provided.

The broader public and ecosystems could benefit from the prohibition by reducing potential risks associated with large-scale climate intervention efforts.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Committee on Environment, with the last recorded action noting its first-reading on February 13, 2025.

Committee activity: The House Committee on Environment held meetings in Regular Session 2025-2026, including a noted hearing on March 26, 2025, to discuss H.217.

Next steps: If advanced by the committee, the bill would proceed to further readings and votes in the House, and, if enacted, would become state law of Vermont. Potential amendments could refine definitions, enforcement, or carve-outs.

Practical notes for readers

Specific definitions, exceptions, and penalties are not included in the provided summary. For a complete understanding, review the actual bill text to see how geoengineering is defined, what activities are prohibited, any exemptions (e.g., for research with specific oversight), and the precise penalties or enforcement processes.

The bill’s passage would contribute to Vermont’s approach to climate governance by explicitly prohibiting certain high-risk climate-intervention activities within state boundaries.