Grants the air conservation commission the authority to create standards and guidelines
Impact
The bill assigns the Air Conservation Commission the authority to establish standards and guidelines necessary for the enforcement of this prohibition. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources is authorized to promulgate the necessary rules and regulations that would administer and enforce this section. These statutory changes could significantly impact companies and individuals who may engage in atmospheric interventions, emphasizing a stronger state-level oversight on air quality and environmental integrity.
Summary
House Bill 78 aims to amend Chapter 643 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri by adding a new section, Section 643.680. This new provision prohibits the intentional injection, release, or dispersion of any chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the specific purposes of affecting temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. The primary goal of this bill is to regulate activities that could deliberate alter atmospheric conditions, which has become a point of contention amid rising concerns about climate change and environmental stability.
Contention
Supporters of HB 78 argue that controlling atmospheric interventions is vital in safeguarding the environment and mitigating the impacts of climate change. However, critics may raise concerns about the implications for research and development of geoengineering technologies, which some proponents believe could be essential in combating climate issues. The bill's prohibition could potentially hinder advancements in technologies that aim to address or reverse environmental degradation, leading to a broader debate on managing climate issues sustainably.
Proposes a constitutional amendment changing the membership of the conservation commission, the conservation sales and use tax, and the department of conservation's property tax exemption