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HB 2656

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

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chad Perkins and 1 co-sponsor

Missouri bans geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding, empowers DNR to investigate and issue immediate cease-and-desist orders, with severe penalties.

HCS Reported Do Pass (H) - AYES: 8 NOES: 3 PRESENT: 0
#environmentalprotection #naturalresources #departmentof
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Bill Summary · HB 2656

Summary of HB 2656 (2026) – Missouri

Purpose and intent

  • Establishes the “Clean Skies Act” to prohibit geoengineering, weather modification, and cloud seeding within Missouri.
  • Authorizes the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to investigate alleged violations, issue cease-and-desist orders, and enforce penalties.
  • Aims to protect air, water, soil, and public health from atmospheric interventions that are not authorized or disclosed.

Key provisions and changes

  • Definitions (Section 640.870):
    • Includes explicit definitions for terms such as artificial intelligence, cloud seeding, geoengineering, pollutant, release, and weather modification.
    • Broadly defines “entity” to cover a wide range of possible actors (individuals, corporations, government bodies, universities, NGOs, etc.).
    • “Geoengineering” and related terms cover mechanisms like aerosols, solar radiation modification/reflection, climate intervention, stratospheric aerosol injection, and other atmospheric modifications.
    • “Pollutant” encompasses a wide array of substances and even electromagnetic or other non-traditional contaminants.
  • Prohibition (Section 640.870.3):
    • Prohibits any form of geoengineering, weather modification, or cloud seeding in the state, regardless of intent or method.
  • Reporting and enforcement (Section 640.870.4):
    • Creates an online, publicly accessible form for reporting suspected violations.
    • Requires the DNR to investigate each report to determine if a violation occurred.
    • If a violation is found, the DNR must issue an immediate cease-and-desist order with the weight of a court order.
    • The DNR will develop rules for enforcement if the violation continues.
    • Law enforcement collaboration is permitted (local police, Missouri State Highway Patrol, or National Guard) as needed.
  • Penalties (Section 640.870.5):
    • Violators are guilty of a felony with a minimum fine of $100,000 and up to 2 years’ imprisonment, or both.
    • Each day of continued prohibited activity constitutes a separate offense.
  • Exceptions (Section 640.870.6):
    • Farming and ranching pesticide use remains allowed; the bill does not prohibit agricultural pesticide applications.
  • Administrative and constitutional notes (Section 640.870.7–9):
    • DNR to promulgate rules; rules must comply with state rulemaking and 536 series procedures.
    • The provision emphasizes that if related rulemaking powers are found unconstitutional, the bill’s rulemaking authority could be invalidated.
  • Effective timing:
    • The text references contemporaneous procedural constraints and severability with related constitutional review (noting August 28, 2026, as a potential checkpoint for certain rulemakings).

Who/what is affected

  • Entities engaged in geoengineering, weather modification, or cloud seeding within Missouri.
  • Broad set of potential actors includes individuals, corporations, municipalities, universities, NGOs, government agencies, and even artificial intelligence systems (per definitions).
  • Agricultural operators are exempt from prohibitions related to pesticides.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Establishes an online reporting mechanism and mandatory investigations by the DNR.
  • Cease-and-desist orders are to be issued immediately upon violation findings and carry court-order weight.
  • Potential collaboration with law enforcement and the National Guard for enforcement.
  • Penalty structure creates daily offense counts for ongoing violations.
  • Rulemaking scope is subject to Missouri’s 536.010 et seq. framework, with nonseverability provisions tied to constitutional considerations.

Context from supporting materials

  • Numerous constituent testimony forms accompany the bill, showing broad citizen and advocacy interest advocating for a ban on geoengineering and weather modification.
  • Testimony highlights concerns about health, environmental impacts, transparency, consent, and local control.

Note: The bill text provided defines terms broadly and sets strong prohibitions and penalties, with a clear focus on preventing unauthorized atmospheric interventions in Missouri.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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