The proposed bill aims to prohibit harmful atmospheric activities in Minnesota, specifically targeting practices such as weather-engineering, cloud-seeding, and stratospheric aerosol injection. It introduces new definitions for terms related to atmospheric activities and establishes penalties for violations, categorizing them as felonies with fines up to $500,000. The bill outlines a framework for citizen reporting of suspected harmful activities, requiring county sheriffs to investigate credible reports and take necessary enforcement actions. It also mandates immediate cease-and-desist orders for any identified harmful atmospheric activities and allows for collaboration with state law enforcement and environmental agencies for further investigation.
Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of monitoring and documenting atmospheric emissions, providing guidelines for evidence collection and reporting. It includes specific enforcement measures for incidents involving xenobiotic agents and electromagnetic disturbances, requiring operators to produce operational records and cease harmful activities promptly. The bill also asserts that federal activities deemed harmful must comply with state regulations, reinforcing the state's authority to regulate atmospheric practices within its jurisdiction. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance environmental protection and public safety by regulating potentially harmful atmospheric interventions.