West Virginia 2025 Regular Session

West Virginia Senate Bill SB699

Introduced
3/5/25  

Caption

Protecting environment and humans from geo-engineering experiments

Impact

If enacted, SB699 would add new provisions to the Code of West Virginia specifically addressing geoengineering. It highlights the risks associated with atmospheric polluting activities, suggesting that such practices pose threats to air, water, soil, wildlife, and public safety. This bill could significantly impact any future projects or research related to climate engineering or atmospheric management that would require compliance with state regulations, thereby reinforcing state authority over environmental decisions.

Summary

Senate Bill 699 aims to protect the environment and human health in West Virginia by prohibiting geoengineering activities, which involve intentional atmospheric manipulation methods like weather modification and aerosol injection. The bill defines various terms associated with geoengineering, establishes enforcement mechanisms, and enacts civil penalties for violations. The underlying purpose is to ensure that citizens of West Virginia can engage in policy deliberation without federal or international interference that threatens their environment and health.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards SB699 is largely supportive among environmental advocates and public health proponents who see the need for regulation to limit harmful practices that may threaten ecosystem balance and human health. However, there could be contention among scientists and industries involved in climate research who might view these restrictions as an obstacle to investigating potential solutions for climate change. Thus, the bill reflects a broader debate about balancing environmental protection with scientific innovation.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the bill's strict definitions of geoengineering and the implications for legitimate scientific research and climate interventions that could have both positive and negative effects. Opponents may argue that overly broad prohibitions could hinder innovation in environmental science that aims to address pressing climate challenges. Furthermore, the bill establishes serious penalties, including felony charges for deliberate violations, raising concerns about the potential for punitive actions against innocent researchers who may inadvertently cross regulatory boundaries.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WV HB4968

Relating to making West Virginia an agreement state with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and transferring authority and responsibility for sources of radiation from other state agencies to the Department of Environmental Protection

WV HB3110

Relating to funding the Office of Oil and Gas in the Department of Environmental Protection

WV HB3189

The PFAS Protection Act

WV SB485

PFAS Protection Act

WV HB4967

Relating to the administration of the Voluntary Remediation and Redevelopment Act to provide new liability protections for persons and companies who wish to purchase and redevelop former industrial properties.

WV HB2640

Authorizing certain agencies of the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate legislative rules

WV HB4034

Authorizing the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to control of air pollution from the emission of sulfur oxides

WV SB1013

Making WV an agreement state with US Nuclear Regulatory Commission

WV HB113

Relating to making West Virginia an agreement state with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission

WV HB2120

Relating to the financing of environmental pollution control equipment for coal-fired power plants

Similar Bills

AZ HB2056

Geoengineering; prohibition

NJ S4161

Prohibits release of certain substances into atmosphere for purposes of geoengineering.

KY HB506

AN ACT relating to geoengineering.

KY SB217

AN ACT relating to geoengineering.

UT SB0126

Airborne Chemicals Amendments

NH HB764

Prohibiting the intentional release of polluting emissions, including cloud seeding, weather modification, excessive electromagnetic radio frequency, and microwave radiation and making penalties for violation of such prohibition.

LA SCR67

To memorialize Congress to investigate geoengineering in Louisiana.

WY HB0208

Atmospheric geoengineering prohibition.