Florida Gov. DeSantis Signs Bill Banning Weather Modification Activities

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis recently signed Senate Bill 56 into law, banning weather modification and geoengineering activities in the state, making violations a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $100,000. The bill repeals the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's authority to issue permits or conduct research related to weather modification and establishes a public reporting system for suspected activities. This legislation addresses public concerns about so-called chemtrails, which are widely debunked conspiracy theories involving chemical dispersal from airplanes. Democratic lawmakers expressed concern that the bill may encourage unfounded reports, potentially overwhelming state resources. Alongside this, DeSantis signed additional bills including those focused on environmental restoration, such as a springs restoration bill benefiting rural areas, and has received 84 more bills awaiting his approval. Meanwhile, other states like New Hampshire have passed unrelated legislation signed by their governors, highlighting a broader context of varied state lawmaking activities.