The "Clean Atmosphere Preservation Act" seeks to prohibit geoengineering activities, specifically the intentional release of polluting emissions, including weather modification techniques such as cloud seeding, stratospheric aerosol injection, and solar radiation modification. An exception is made for cloud seeding during catastrophic droughts, which can only occur under strict conditions, including a state of emergency declaration by the governor and an environmental review by the Department of Environmental Services (DES). The bill emphasizes the protection of human health, the environment, and the state's agricultural and economic stability from the adverse effects of geoengineering. Additionally, it repeals existing legislation related to weather modification (RSA 12-F) and mandates that the new provisions take effect 45 days after passage.

To enforce these prohibitions, the bill establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures of up to $25,000 per violation and potential misdemeanor or felony charges based on the offender's status. The DES is responsible for notifying federal agencies about the prohibitions and penalties, as well as overseeing permitted cloud seeding operations. The bill's fiscal impact is significant, with estimated expenditures for the DES ranging from $500,000 to over $1,000,000 due to the need for new staff to manage enforcement. However, the bill does not provide funding or authorize new positions, which may require additional resources for compliance and oversight. Furthermore, the modifications to existing criminal penalties could increase costs for the judicial and correctional systems at both state and local levels.