The proposed bill aims to establish the Atmospheric Intervention Oversight and Public Safety Act in West Virginia, which will prohibit unauthorized atmospheric interventions and create a regulatory framework for monitoring and enforcement. The bill empowers the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to permit, condition, or deny applications for atmospheric interventions, while also allowing the Air National Guard to assist in detecting and monitoring unauthorized activities at the Governor's request. The legislation outlines penalties for violations, including civil penalties ranging from $25,000 to $50,000 per day and potential felony charges for malicious actors, as well as provisions for public reporting, transparency, and whistleblower protections.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Atmospheric Oversight Fund to support the implementation of the Act, which will be funded through civil penalties and legislative appropriations. It includes provisions for interstate cooperation to address cross-border atmospheric modification and mandates the DEP to maintain a public database of reports and investigations related to atmospheric interventions. The bill emphasizes the importance of protecting public health and the environment from the risks associated with atmospheric modification activities, asserting the state's sovereign duty to safeguard its citizens and natural resources.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 22-37-1, 22-37-2, 22-37-3, 22-37-4, 22-37-5, 22-37-6, 22-37-6a, 22-37-7, 22-37-8, 22-37-9