Missouri Senate Bill SB15

Missouri 2025 1st Special Session

• Introduced: 6/2/25

Caption

Prohibits any form of environmental manipulation

Summary

SB15 would add a new section to Missouri law defining “environmental manipulation” and broadly prohibiting it statewide. The bill defines the term to include weather modification activities, such as dispersing substances into the air to change precipitation, as well as the dropping of pollution or biological agents from aircraft intended to alter the atmosphere, manipulate the environment, or harm the food supply. Under the bill, any person who uses environmental manipulation would be civilly liable for resulting damages, including actual damages and injunctive relief. The prohibition is written broadly, but it expressly states that it does not prevent the use of pesticides on farming or ranching operations.

Impact

The bill would create a new standalone prohibition in Chapter 260 of the Missouri Revised Statutes and establish a civil cause of action for violations. It would affect individuals or entities engaged in weather modification, geoengineering, or similar atmospheric intervention activities, while preserving ordinary agricultural pesticide use. If enacted, it would give courts authority to award damages and injunctions against prohibited conduct.

Sentiment

No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or formal support/opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text and caption, the measure appears to be framed as a precautionary environmental and public-safety restriction, with an emphasis on preventing perceived atmospheric interference and harm to agriculture or the food supply.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely the breadth and scientific basis of the term “environmental manipulation,” which could be read to cover weather modification, geoengineering, or other atmospheric activities. Another likely issue is whether the bill could unintentionally sweep in legitimate environmental, agricultural, or research practices, although the text attempts to carve out pesticide use on farms and ranches. Supporters would likely focus on environmental protection and food-supply concerns, while critics may argue the bill is overly broad or targets activities that are speculative or already regulated elsewhere.