BILL NUMBER: S8529A
SPONSOR: WEIK
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the environmental conservation law and the state finance
law, in relation to prohibiting the release of certain chemical
compounds into the atmosphere
 
PURPOSE:
To amend the environmental conservation law and the state finance law,
in relation to prohibiting the release of certain chemical compounds
into the atmosphere.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
Section 1 adds a new section 19-0330 prohibiting the intentional
injection, release or dispersion of chemicals, compounds, substances or
apparatus into the atmosphere for the purpose of affecting temperature,
weather or sunlight intensity. Establishes public reporting procedures,
including an online form and e-mail address; requires departmental
intake, screening and investigation of reports; authorizes interagency
assistance; requires monthly reports from operators of public infras-
tructure identifying any aircraft that may be equipped or configured for
geoengineering or weather modification; and directs the department to
adopt necessary rules and regulations.
Section 2 adds section 71-2114 creating criminal penalties for
violations of section 19-0330. Any person or corporation conducting
prohibited activities is guilty of a class E felony, including applica-
ble corporate officers, directors or employees. Aircraft operators or
controllers are subject to a class E felony, a fine up to five thousand
dollars and imprisonment up to five years. Fines are deposited into the
air quality improvement fund.
Section 3 amends section 71-2105 to reference the new section 71-2114.
Section 4 amends section 99-rr of the state finance law to add fines
collected under section 71-2114 to the air quality improvement fund.
Section 5 sets the effective date as immediate upon enactment.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
This legislation is necessary to protect public health, the environment,
and the integrity of the state's climate systems. Certain chemical
compounds, when deliberately released into the atmosphere to alter
temperature, weather patterns, or sunlight intensity, pose significant
risks, including environmental disruption and potential harm to ecosys-
tems and human health. By prohibiting these practices, creating report-
ing and investigation procedures, and establishing criminal penalties,
the state provides clear legal boundaries, supports enforcement agencies
and promotes broader environmental protection objectives.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New Bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Potential increase in revenue to the air quality improvement fund from
fines collected under section 71-2114.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
S8529A: 99-rr state finance law, 99-rr(2) state finance law