The "South Carolina Clean Air Act" aims to amend the South Carolina Code of Laws by introducing stricter regulations on the intentional emission of air contaminants that could affect temperature, weather, or sunlight intensity. Specifically, the bill makes it unlawful for any person to intentionally inject or disperse chemicals or substances in the atmosphere for these purposes, with severe penalties for violations, including felony charges, imprisonment of up to ten years, and fines of at least $500,000 for each day of violation. The act also stipulates that the Department of Environmental Services must provide public information on the harmful effects of such emissions and ensures that no exemptions under the Freedom of Information Act can prevent the release of related documents.

Additionally, the bill allows private citizens to file actions against the federal government for damages to health and property caused by such emissions, granting them civil and criminal immunity for any testimony provided in these cases. The provisions of the act do not apply to cloud seeding activities conducted under publicly approved contracts. This legislation reflects South Carolina's commitment to protecting public health and the environment from the risks associated with geoengineering practices.

Statutes affected:
02/06/2025: 48-1-110
Latest Version: 48-1-110