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FLORIDA - The Florida Senate has approved a bill that aims to ban geoengineering and weather modification activities within the state in a move addressing environmental concerns.
Senate Bill 56 (SB 56), sponsored by Senator Ileana Garcia, prohibits the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into Florida's atmosphere with the intent to affect temperature, weather patterns, or sunlight intensity.
Violations would be classified as third-degree felonies, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines reaching $100,000.
Senator Garcia emphasized the bill's objective to address public concerns regarding environmental manipulation.
She stated, "Through this bill, we are addressing modern environmental concerns brought forward by our constituents and eliminating any ambiguity regarding the legality of weather modification."
The legislation also mandates the Florida Department of Environmental Protection to establish a system for residents to report suspected geoengineering activities.
This initiative aims to create a transparent process for logging, tracking, and investigating such concerns.
Governor Ron DeSantis has expressed support for SB 56, aligning with Attorney General James Uthmeier's stance.
Uthmeier noted that his office is exploring additional legal avenues to protect Floridians from unauthorized climate interventions.
The bill now advances to the Florida House for consideration.
If enacted, Florida would join other states in regulating geoengineering practices, reflecting a growing national discourse on environmental intervention and public health.