Establishes the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act that establishes a regulatory process to prohibit polluting atmospheric experimentation.
If enacted, the Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act would amend Title 23 of the General Laws, specifically adding provisions to address the prohibition of atmospheric interference. The impact will extend to all entities, including government and military operations, preventing them from engaging in any activities that could alter atmospheric conditions without approval. Notably, state police will be authorized to enforce these prohibitions actively, including issuing cease-and-desist orders for suspected violations. Violators could face severe penalties, including hefty fines and imprisonment, marking a significant shift in how environmental regulations will be enforced in the state.
Senate Bill S0405, titled 'The Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act', is proposed legislation aimed at creating a regulatory framework to prohibit various types of atmospheric experimentation that may involve the release of harmful pollutants. The bill finds that interventions such as solar radiation management (SRM), cloud seeding, and other forms of geoengineering pose significant risks to public health and safety. The legislation aims to prevent the introduction of pollutants, particularly Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), known as 'forever chemicals', into the atmosphere, which have been linked to severe environmental and health hazards.
Opponents of the bill may argue that it could hinder legitimate research and innovation in weather modification that could address climate change challenges. Advocates for environmental protection support S0405 by highlighting the urgent need to safeguard public health from the increasingly prevalent risks associated with geoengineering and related practices. The discussion surrounding the bill reflects a broader national debate on the balance between environmental preservation and technological advancement in managing climate issues.