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Arizona : 2025 Regular Session : BILL  HB2056

Geoengineering; prohibition

climate modification  geoengineering

Bill Details

Geoengineering; prohibition

Bill summary (AI generated) 

The bill titled "Geoengineering; prohibition" seeks to ban specific geoengineering practices within the State of Arizona. It amends Title 49 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, introducing Section 49-119, which explicitly prohibits engaging in geoengineering activities unless otherwise specified in Title 45, Chapter 9.

Key provisions of the bill include a ban on the intentional injection, release, or dispensing of any chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the state for the purpose of solar radiation management. The term "solar radiation management" is specifically defined, including the injection of stratospheric aerosols to increase atmospheric reflectivity or decrease sunlight intensity. 

In addition to the prohibition, the bill outlines mechanisms for public involvement, including encouraging residents to monitor and report instances of geoengineering. It mandates the director to investigate credible reports and implement emergency measures upon receiving such reports. Violations of the law are classified as a class 4 felony, with significant civil penalties imposed per infraction.

The bill defines several terms related to geoengineering, including aerosol injection, weather modification, and atmospheric polluting activity, which encompasses a wide range of deliberate releases that could have harmful effects on human health and the environment. The legislation aims to protect the state's atmosphere, its people, and agricultural operations from the risks associated with geoengineering practices.

History

The bill was prefiled in January 2025 and was introduced in the House on the same day, where it was read for the first time and assigned to several committees, including the RO, NREW, and RULES Committees. After being read a second time in the House on January 15, the RO Committee reviewed the bill and recommended it to pass with amendments, which resulted in a narrow vote of 3 in favor and 2 against. The bill is still active and will likely proceed to further committee reviews before potentially being voted on by the full House.
  • Wed 08 Jan 2025 Prefile
  • Tue 14 Jan 2025 Introduced in House and read first time
  • Tue 14 Jan 2025 Assigned to House RO Committee
  • Tue 14 Jan 2025 Assigned to House NREW Committee
  • Tue 14 Jan 2025 Assigned to House RULES Committee
  • Wed 15 Jan 2025 House read second time
  • Tue 28 Jan 2025 House RO Committee action: Do Pass Amended, voting: (3-2-0-0-0-0)

Bill text (PDF)