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WV HB5160

Bill

Status

Introduced

2/4/2026

Primary Sponsor

Denny Canterbury

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Prohibits all atmospheric modification activities within or above West Virginia, including stratospheric aerosol injection, cloud seeding, directed-energy heating, and frequency-based weather manipulation, with no permits or variances allowed by the Department of Environmental Protection.

  • Establishes civil penalties of $25,000 to $50,000 per day for violations, with felony charges carrying fines up to $500,000 and 1-5 years imprisonment for those who knowingly conduct unauthorized activities.

  • Authorizes the West Virginia Air National Guard, at the Governor's direction, to assist in monitoring, identifying, or intercepting aircraft suspected of violating the act, including escorting suspect aircraft to airports for investigation.

  • Creates the Atmospheric Oversight Fund to administer enforcement, funded through civil penalties, legislative appropriations, and a potential surcharge of up to 0.5% on existing air-quality permit fees.

  • Includes whistleblower protections for individuals reporting suspected violations in good faith and requires the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a public online database of all complaints, investigations, and enforcement actions.

Legislative Description

Prohibition of geoengineering

Natural Resources

Last Action

To House Energy and Public Works

2/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Energy and Public Works2/4/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available