Cloud Seeding Pilot Program
One significant element of HB130 is the collaboration established between the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District and the New Mexico Department of Agriculture. This partnership is designed to collect data and implement evidence-based demonstration projects that will evaluate the costs and benefits of different cloud seeding methodologies while considering potential environmental risks. Importantly, the bill stipulates that any water resulting from cloud seeding shall be regarded as part of the natural water supply, ensuring it falls under existing water rights without necessitating new appropriations.
House Bill 130 introduces a pilot project aimed at exploring cloud seeding as a method to mitigate the impacts of climate change and drought in New Mexico. The bill mandates the New Mexico Department of Agriculture to create, administer, and conduct a three-year cloud seeding weather modification project, supporting scientific experimentation in this area. The project intends to assess the effectiveness of cloud seeding in enhancing precipitation and the overall water resource management in the state.
The bill's discussions highlight a critical divide regarding state funding for such experimental projects. With an appropriation of $1,980,000 from the general fund designated for the project over the years 2025 to 2027, concerns have been raised about the allocation of state resources, particularly from environmental advocacy groups who question the effectiveness and ecological impact of cloud seeding. In addition, the bill requires annual reporting to the legislature and a final report to the governor, which will include recommendations about the project's continuation, ensuring accountability and transparency.