Creates the "Clear Skies Act" prohibiting geoengineering, cloud seeding and other atmospheric interventions, and authorizing DNR to investigate violations, and includes penalty provisions

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mazzie Christensen and 6 co-sponsors

Missouri would ban geoengineering, cloud seeding, and other atmospheric interventions within the state, with DNR enforcement and penalties for violations.

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 3 PRESENT: 0

#environmentalprotection #naturalresources #departmentof

Overview

HB 2388 (2026), a Missouri bill titled the “Clear Skies Act,” would prohibit atmospheric interventions such as geoengineering and cloud seeding within the state. The measure authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate violations and establishes penalties for noncompliance. The bill includes procedural steps, sponsor information, and a timeline of actions taken during the 2026 session.

Purpose and Intent

Prohibit atmospheric manipulation that alters the weather or climate in Missouri, including:

Geoengineering activities
Cloud seeding
Other atmospheric interventions

Create a regulatory framework to deter and penalize unauthorized atmospheric interventions.

Empower the DNR to investigate alleged violations and enforce the prohibitions.

Key Provisions

Prohibition:

Directly bans geoengineering activities, cloud seeding, and other forms of atmospheric intervention within the jurisdiction of Missouri.

Enforcement and Investigation:

Authorizes the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate alleged violations.

Penalties:

Establishes penalties for violations of the prohibitions (specific fine amounts or penalties are not provided in the summary; the bill text would specify ranges and enforcement mechanisms).

Oversight and Compliance:

Likely requires regulators to develop procedures for reporting, investigation, and resolution of alleged violations.

Definitions:

Specifies terms such as “geoengineering,” “cloud seeding,” and “atmospheric interventions” to establish scope.

Who or What Would Be Affected

Individuals, organizations, and entities conducting atmospheric interventions in Missouri would be subject to prohibition and penalties.

Stakeholders in weather modification research or projects would need to ensure compliance or relocate activities outside Missouri jurisdiction.

DNR would assume primary enforcement responsibility, including investigation and enforcement actions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Prefiled: December 12, 2025

Introduction and First Reading: January 7–8, 2026

Referred to Committee: Special Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs (H) on March 25, 2026

Public Hearing: March 30, 2026

Executive Session: April 8, 2026 (continued; action postponed on that date)

Next steps would include potential committee votes, amendments, and floor consideration depending on legislative process and subsequent votes.

Additional Context

Co-sponsors include Mazzie Christensen, Keith Elliott, Steve Jordan, Burt Whaley, Chad Perkins, Mike Costlow, and Matthew Overcast.

The bill’s progression indicates interest in clearly codifying a state ban on atmospheric manipulation technologies and activities, with a focus on enforcement through the DNR.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Clarity on penalties and enforcement mechanisms will influence deterrence and compliance.

Researchers and private entities engaging in weather-related activities would need to assess feasibility and legality within Missouri.

The bill could affect interstate or international projects operating in Missouri airspace or involving Missouri facilities, depending on enforcement reach.

If enacted, DNR procedures and interagency coordination would shape how investigations are conducted and resolved.