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HB 4304

Environmental protection: air pollution; dispersion of substances or objects into atmosphere; prohibit for purposes of affecting weather. Amends 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.101 - 324.90106) by adding sec. 5514b.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Timmy Beson and 7 co-sponsors

Michigan bill prohibits intentional dispersal of substances into atmosphere specifically for weather modification purposes, adding restrictions to state environmental law.

bill electronically reproduced 03/26/2025
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Bill Summary · HB 4304

Legislative bill overview

HB 4304 would amend Michigan's environmental protection law to prohibit the intentional dispersal of substances or objects into the atmosphere for the purpose of weather modification. The bill adds a new section (5514b) to the existing environmental code governing air pollution and atmospheric emissions.

Why is this important

Weather modification activities—such as cloud seeding or atmospheric aerosol dispersal—raise questions about environmental oversight, public consent, and potential unintended consequences. This bill addresses whether Michigan should establish legal restrictions on such activities, which currently operate in a regulatory gray area in most states.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's definition of "for purposes of affecting weather" may be unclear—would legitimate scientific research, agricultural cloud seeding, or air quality management inadvertently fall under this prohibition?
  • Enforcement and jurisdiction: Questions about how violations would be detected, reported, and enforced, and whether federal activities or interstate operations would be affected
  • Economic impact: Potential restrictions on cloud seeding operations that some agricultural and water management sectors rely on for drought mitigation or precipitation enhancement

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

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