The proposed bill, titled "The Clean Atmosphere Preservation Act," aims to prohibit geoengineering activities, specifically the intentional release of polluting emissions such as weather modification, cloud seeding, and stratospheric aerosol injection. The bill emphasizes the harmful effects of these activities on human health, the environment, and the economy of New Hampshire. It introduces new legal language that prohibits any person from engaging in geoengineering activities and mandates that individuals who witness such activities report them to the division of air resources. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures and potential criminal charges, depending on the nature of the offense.

Additionally, the bill requires the commissioner of the department of environmental services to notify various federal agencies about the prohibition and the associated penalties for violations. It repeals existing legislation related to weather modification (RSA 12-F) and outlines a process for reporting geoengineering activities and investigating such reports. The effective date of the act is set for 45 days after its passage. Overall, the bill seeks to safeguard New Hampshire's atmosphere from deliberate pollution and manipulation, reinforcing state rights in environmental governance.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 263:35