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 a comprehensive 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 RSA 12-F, which previously addressed weather modification, consolidating the state's regulatory framework.

To enforce these prohibitions, the bill establishes penalties for violations, including civil forfeitures of up to $25,000 and potential misdemeanor or felony charges. 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 allocate funding or authorize new positions, which may require additional resources for compliance and oversight. The modifications to existing criminal penalties could also affect the judicial and correctional systems, potentially increasing costs for prosecution and incarceration.