The bill establishes a three-year "rainfall enhancement pilot project" to be administered by the Roosevelt Soil and Water Conservation District. The project aims to explore the effectiveness of rainfall enhancement techniques as a means to address climate change and drought impacts. It encourages scientific experimentation in artificial nucleation and aims to develop and protect the state's natural water resources. The bill also stipulates that any water generated from the project will be treated as part of the natural water supply and will not require new appropriations, ensuring it aligns with existing water rights. Additionally, it provides liability protections for actions taken under the project.
To ensure accountability and transparency, the bill mandates the state climatologist and extension services to establish reporting criteria and maintain permanent records related to the project. They are required to report annually to a legislative interim committee and provide a final report to the governor and legislature with recommendations for future improvements and the project's continuation. The bill includes an appropriation of $3.6 million from the general fund for the project's implementation over the fiscal years 2026 to 2028, with any unspent funds reverting to the general fund at the end of the period.