The bill introduces "The Rhode Island Clean Air Preservation Act," which aims to regulate and prohibit certain activities related to weather engineering, such as solar radiation modification (SRM) and stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI), due to their potential risks to public health and the environment. It establishes new definitions for various terms associated with weather modification and environmental protection, including "weather engineering," "satellite weather modification system (SWMS)," and "xenobiotic." The bill asserts Rhode Island's right to ban such activities within its jurisdiction and sets penalties for violations, including a felony charge, a minimum fine of $500,000, and imprisonment for not less than five years, with each day of continued violation constituting a separate offense.
The legislation also addresses the responsibilities of state personnel in climate-related activities, requiring U.S. citizenship and an oath of office. It emphasizes the reduction of environmental pollution by advocating for hard-wired, fiber-optic connections over wireless infrastructure to enhance cybersecurity and minimize radiation pollution. The bill empowers the public to report polluting activities and mandates state police investigations into such reports. Additionally, it sets forth strict limits on electromagnetic radiation and other forms of pollution, with immediate actions required upon detection of excessive emissions, including the provision of operational records to the state police and cessation of operations. The act is designed to protect public health, the environment, agriculture, and biodiversity, and will take effect immediately upon passage.