The "Wyoming Cloud Seeding Moratorium and Baseline Act" establishes a ten-year moratorium on cloud seeding and weather modification operations in Wyoming, starting October 1, 2026. The legislation outlines the need for baseline data collection on various environmental factors, including precipitation and streamflow, during this period. The Department of Environmental Quality, in collaboration with the state engineer, is tasked with gathering this data and conducting an independent study on the impacts of cloud seeding compared to baseline conditions. Preliminary and final reports on the study's findings and recommendations are required to be submitted to the legislature by specified deadlines.

Additionally, the bill introduces criminal penalties for unauthorized cloud seeding during the moratorium, classifying such actions as misdemeanors with fines up to $50,000 per occurrence. It amends existing weather modification laws to prohibit the issuance of permits for cloud seeding until after the moratorium ends on October 1, 2036. The state engineer is authorized to manage funds for administering the act and supporting weather modification research, while also clarifying that the state will not be liable for the actions of private individuals or groups engaged in weather modification activities.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0210 v0.5: 9-1-907, 9-1-908, 9-1-909