Protecting environment and humans from geo-engineering experiments
Impact
If enacted, SB699 would add new provisions to the Code of West Virginia specifically addressing geoengineering. It highlights the risks associated with atmospheric polluting activities, suggesting that such practices pose threats to air, water, soil, wildlife, and public safety. This bill could significantly impact any future projects or research related to climate engineering or atmospheric management that would require compliance with state regulations, thereby reinforcing state authority over environmental decisions.
Summary
Senate Bill 699 aims to protect the environment and human health in West Virginia by prohibiting geoengineering activities, which involve intentional atmospheric manipulation methods like weather modification and aerosol injection. The bill defines various terms associated with geoengineering, establishes enforcement mechanisms, and enacts civil penalties for violations. The underlying purpose is to ensure that citizens of West Virginia can engage in policy deliberation without federal or international interference that threatens their environment and health.
Sentiment
The sentiment towards SB699 is largely supportive among environmental advocates and public health proponents who see the need for regulation to limit harmful practices that may threaten ecosystem balance and human health. However, there could be contention among scientists and industries involved in climate research who might view these restrictions as an obstacle to investigating potential solutions for climate change. Thus, the bill reflects a broader debate about balancing environmental protection with scientific innovation.
Contention
Notable points of contention may arise regarding the bill's strict definitions of geoengineering and the implications for legitimate scientific research and climate interventions that could have both positive and negative effects. Opponents may argue that overly broad prohibitions could hinder innovation in environmental science that aims to address pressing climate challenges. Furthermore, the bill establishes serious penalties, including felony charges for deliberate violations, raising concerns about the potential for punitive actions against innocent researchers who may inadvertently cross regulatory boundaries.
Expiring funds to the unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, from the Department Revenue, State Budget Office, PEIA Rainy Day Fund
Making a supplementary appropriation to the Department of Human Services, Bureau for Medical Services – Policy and Programming and State Board of Education – State Department of Education
Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts ActThis bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to establish an atmospheric river forecast improvement program.In carrying out the program, NOAA must seek to reduce loss of life and property and other economic losses caused by atmospheric river events through research and development on accurate, effective, and actionable forecasting and warnings. The program must generally involve the establishment of quantitative atmospheric river forecast skill metrics, the development of an atmospheric river forecast system within a unified forecast system, and the development of tools and products to predict periods of active or inactive atmospheric river landfalls and inland penetration, among other activities. The program must periodically test and evaluate the value of incorporating innovative observations (e.g., observations from radar, aircraft, ocean buoys, and other sources) to facilitate the improvement of modeling and forecasting. The program must also consider the development of best practices for communicating the existence and severity of atmospheric river events, as well as other information about atmospheric rivers. The program may seek to improve precipitation modeling, with an emphasis on forecasting for complex terrain. The bill also requires NOAA to acquire and sustain adequate crewed and uncrewed aircraft (i.e., drones), equipment, and personnel necessary to meet air reconnaissance mission requirements annually during the expected atmospheric river season (November through March).