Survey of State Statutes on Weather Modification

Abstract

This article is a summary of all U.S. state laws relating to weather modification which were in effect at the end of 1973. Although previous studies in this area have been conducted, this is the only current summary of all state laws available in published form. The summary shows that 28 states have some form of statute on the regulation of weather modification activities ranging from simple to complex. The most prevalent provisions in the state laws are those concerning the establishment of Weather Modification Boards and Commissions, operator license requirements, penalties for not complying with state laws, permits for conducting specific weather modification operations, operators' financial responsibility for results of their modification activities, mandatory advance public notice of activities, payment of fees to obtain licenses and/or permits, operators' records and, in some instances, reports on their activities. The Environmental Modification Office of the Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will keep updated information on all state legislation related to weather modification which will be available to all interested persons.