03-05 17:19 4th Sub. (Pumpkin) S.B. 126
Rex P. Shipp proposes the following substitute bill:
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Airborne Chemicals Amendments
2025 GENERAL SESSION
STATE OF UTAH
Chief Sponsor: Ronald M. Winterton
House Sponsor: Rex P. Shipp
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This bill addresses the release of airborne chemicals.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This bill:
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▸ defines terms;
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▸ prohibits the release of a chemical or substance from an aircraft for the purpose of solar
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geoengineering;
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▸ provides a means for the public to submit information regarding suspected solar
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geoengineering;
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▸ requires the Department of Transportation to report a credible instance of suspected solar
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geoengineering to the Utah Attorney General; and
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▸ makes technical and conforming changes.
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Money Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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None
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Utah Code Sections Affected:
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AMENDS:
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72-10-120, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2008, Chapter 140
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ENACTS:
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72-10-134, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
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Section 1. Section 72-10-120 is amended to read:
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72-10-120 . Violations -- Penalty.
4th Sub. S.B. 126 4th Sub. (Pumpkin) S.B. 126 03-05 17:19
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[A] Except as otherwise provided in this part, a person who fails to comply with the
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requirements of or violates any provision of this part is guilty of a class B misdemeanor.
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Section 2. Section 72-10-134 is enacted to read:
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72-10-134 . Restrictions on release of chemicals for solar geoengineering --
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Criminal penalty.
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(1) As used in this section:
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(a)(i) "Solar geoengineering" means the modification of the composition, behavior, or
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dynamics of the Earth's atmosphere by solar radiation management.
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(ii) "Solar geoengineering" does not include an activity described in Title 73, Chapter
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15, Modification of Weather.
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(b) "Solar radiation management" means the release, injection, or dispersing of a
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chemical to artificially reduce the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's
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lower atmosphere or surface.
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(2)(a) It is unlawful for an owner or operator of an aircraft to use or authorize the use of
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the aircraft in this state with the intent to cause solar geoengineering.
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(b) A violation of Subsection (2)(a) is a class A misdemeanor.
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(3) The department shall:
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(a) provide a means for a member of the public to electronically submit information
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regarding suspected solar geoengineering activity; and
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(b) report a credible instance of suspected solar geoengineering activity to the Office of
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the Attorney General.
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(4) This section does not create for an airport operator:
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(a) an obligation to report or monitor a solar geoengineering activity; or
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(b) liability in relation to an aircraft using an airport for a solar geoengineering activity.
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Section 3. Effective Date.
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This bill takes effect on May 7, 2025.
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