The proposed bill would significantly amend Arizona's current statutes on weather modification and geoengineering by repealing Title 45, Chapter 9 of the Arizona Revised Statutes and establishing a clear prohibition against geoengineering, defined as the intentional manipulation of the environment through methods such as weather modification, aerosol injection, cloud seeding, or solar radiation modification. It would also require the Director of the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality to investigate credible reports of geoengineering and encourage public reporting of such activities. Furthermore, the bill would classify violations as a class 4 felony, imposing a civil penalty of $500,000 per violation, with each day of geoengineering considered a separate violation. It mandates that the Director issue formal notices to violators, including Cease-and-Desist Orders, and conduct emergency measures within two hours of receiving credible reports of geoengineering. Overall, the bill aims to enhance regulatory oversight and enforcement against unauthorized geoengineering activities, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting the environment and public health.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 45-117, 49-119, 45-113, 45-115, 45-116, 45-183, 45-273, 45-292, 45-411.01, 45-467, 45-476.01, 45-595, 45-612, 45-703, 45-871.01, 45-874.01, 45-1021, 45-1041, 45-1205, 45-1603, 45-1605, 35-190, 35-313