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Bill

SB 514

Prohibiting geoengineering activities

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Rose and 1 co-sponsor

West Virginia bans geoengineering activities including stratospheric aerosol injection and atmospheric modification without state authorization, imposing civil and criminal penalties.

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Bill Summary · SB 514

Legislative bill overview

SB 514 prohibits geoengineering activities within West Virginia without explicit state authorization. The bill defines geoengineering broadly to include stratospheric aerosol injection, cloud seeding modifications, and other large-scale atmospheric interventions. Violators would face civil penalties and potential criminal charges.

Why is this important

Geoengineering represents a potential climate intervention tool that could affect weather patterns, air quality, and agricultural outcomes across state and regional boundaries. West Virginia's prohibition could set a precedent for state-level climate technology regulation, though geoengineering's transnational effects raise questions about whether individual states can effectively regulate such activities. The bill reflects growing public concern about uncontrolled environmental manipulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific uncertainty: Geoengineering research remains largely theoretical; overly restrictive bans could prevent studying potential climate solutions while uncertainty persists about necessity and safety
  • Interstate/international coordination: Geoengineering effects don't respect state borders; unilateral prohibition may be ineffective if neighboring states or other countries pursue such activities
  • Cloud seeding ambiguity: The bill may inadvertently restrict legitimate cloud seeding for drought/weather management that some agricultural and water management interests support
  • Research barriers: Universities and research institutions may face legal obstacles to conducting geoengineering studies or experiments

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

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