Clear Skies Act

This bill bans any attempt to change the weather anywhere in the United States, including its territories. Doing so can lead to criminal penalties of up to $100,000 per act and up to 5 years in prison, and separate civil fines of up to $10,000 per act by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in coordination with the Federal Aviation Administration. Each spray, release, or similar action counts as its own violation. It applies nationwide, including actions that cross state lines, use interstate communications, or occur in federal airspace or other federal jurisdictions.

The EPA must set up a system for the public to report suspected violations by phone, email, mail, or an online portal, and publish those reports on its website. The EPA will investigate reports it deems credible, can coordinate with agencies like the FAA, NOAA, NASA, and others, and must refer confirmed violations to the Department of Justice for further action. The bill also ends any federal laws and cancels any federal rules or executive orders that allow or require weather modification, including any permits or licenses for it. It takes effect 90 days after it becomes law.

Key points

• Who is affected: Anyone who tries to change the weather; the public (who can report concerns); and agencies like EPA, FAA, and NOAA, which will run and act on the reporting system.
• What changes: Weather modification becomes illegal nationwide, with criminal and civil penalties; public reporting and federal investigations are required; and any existing federal permissions for weather modification are ended.
• When: The law starts 90 days after enactment.