Serine
Missouri lawmakers are considering legislation that would outlaw environmental manipulation techniques, including the practice of cloud seeding, across the state.
Senate Bill 15, introduced by Republican Senator Mike Moon, aims to restrict any form of artificial intervention in atmospheric processes.
Understanding Environmental Manipulation
Under the proposed bill, environmental manipulation is described as a form of weather modification intended to alter precipitation levels by releasing specific substances into the air.
These substances, acting as cloud condensation nuclei or ice particles, change cloud microphysics to influence rainfall.
The most well-known example of this is cloud seeding, a process that disperses compounds—like silver iodide—into the sky using aircraft or ground-based generators to stimulate rainfall.
Missouri’s History with Cloud Seeding
Missouri has a historical connection with weather modification, with experiments dating back to the 1960s. Early programs used silver iodide to try and increase rainfall, particularly during times of drought.
Research suggests that cloud seeding can result in a 5–15% increase in precipitation, making it a potentially effective tool for water resource management.
Concerns from Lawmakers and Citizens
Supporters of the proposed ban express unease over the release of additional chemicals into the atmosphere, raising fears of unintended side effects from tampering with natural weather systems. Some critics go as far as to liken it to “playing god” with the environment.
It is important to note that Missouri currently has no active or authorized cloud seeding programs, though several neighboring states are actively engaged in such practices.
Cloud Seeding in Other Regions
As of 2024, at least nine U.S. states—including California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming—and 39 countries worldwide operate cloud seeding programs.
Key Exemptions and Legal Implications
While the bill proposes a blanket ban on environmental manipulation, it includes exceptions for traditional agricultural practices, such as the use of herbicides and pesticides for crop and livestock management.
Additionally, the legislation outlines that any individual or organization engaging in environmental manipulation could be held civilly liable for any resulting damages.
Missouri’s proposed ban on weather-altering technologies like cloud seeding reflects a growing concern over the environmental and ethical implications of manipulating natural processes.
If passed, Senate Bill 15 would place Missouri among the first states to take a firm stance against artificial weather intervention, while still supporting conventional farming operations.