ID S1269

Idaho Water Resource Board receives authority to authorize, sponsor, and develop local or statewide cloud seeding programs, with required public meetings that include opportunities for written and oral public comment.

Annual reporting requirements established covering operational data, environmental impacts on water/soil/air quality, public meeting documentation, and effectiveness measures such as snowpack increases.

Operators must submit monthly reports during the operational period (typically October 1 through April 30) detailing ground generator locations, flight paths, seeding materials used, and methods of operation.

State funds may only be used for cloud seeding in basins where existing water supplies are insufficient to support water rights, water quality, recreation, or fish and wildlife uses.

State-authorized cloud seeding activities are shielded from liability claims including trespass and nuisance, except for gross negligence or willful misconduct, and require no state or local permits; effective July 1, 2026.