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HJM 18

SOLAR GEOENGINEERING – States findings of the Legislature and requests federal action.

68th Legislature, 2nd Regular Session (2026)

Idaho legislature formally requests federal action and investigation into solar geoengineering as climate intervention strategy.

Reported Printed and Referred to Environment, Energy & Technology
#energy #environment #government #memorials #naturalresources
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Bill Summary · HJM 18

Legislative bill overview

HJM 18 is a joint memorial that expresses Idaho's legislative findings regarding solar geoengineering and formally requests that the federal government take action on the matter. The bill does not create law or establish state policy itself, but rather serves as a formal statement of the legislature's position and a petition to Congress and federal agencies.

Why is this important

Solar geoengineering—deliberately reflecting sunlight to cool the planet—remains scientifically speculative and internationally controversial. A state legislature's formal position on this emerging technology can influence federal policy discussions, public awareness, and interstate coordination on climate interventions. Idaho's stance could shape regional energy and environmental priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific uncertainty: Solar geoengineering is unproven at scale, with unknown environmental and atmospheric consequences that experts actively debate
  • Governance and liability questions: No international framework exists to govern who can conduct geoengineering, manage side effects, or handle liability if deployment causes harm
  • Preference divergence: Some view geoengineering as necessary climate insurance; others argue it distracts from emissions reduction and represents hubris toward planetary systems

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

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