TALHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) – A new controversial law that has attracted attention at both the state and national levels is currently in effect, seeking to ban attempts to correct the weather.
Proponents of the move say it is necessary to protect the nation, but critics believe it is rooted in conspiracy theory.
Florida Attorney General James Usmieyer is urging airports across the state to ask them to board a new law (SB 56) banning all weather correction activities.
The new law repeals a decades-old permit clause that allows the Department of Environmental Protection to issue permits to groups seeking to change weather, but now engaged in weather correction activities is a three-time felony, potentially winning a fine of up to $100,000 in a prison for up to five years.
It is illegal for a chemical or device to be released into Florida atmosphere for purposes of affecting temperature, weather, climate, or sunlight intensity.
If the airport is not compliant, it could potentially lose state funds for new projects, ongoing programs, and improvements or expansions of the airport.
In addition to airport compliance, people can also report suspicious activities to public portals. This allows the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to investigate further.
Despite the bill being passed and approved by the governor, critics are concerned about the motivation behind the new law.
“There is concern that part of this bill is being fed into conspiracy theory,” state Rep. Anna V. Eskamani (D-Orlando). “I think it’s important that we don’t legislate that kind of pressure, but we’re going to legislate science, legislate facts, legislate information, not fear.”
But supporters of the bill, including Governor DeSantis, say the state is ahead of the extraordinary activities that could occur.
“We don’t do that with state agencies. We didn’t have permission issued from the entire modern history of Florida. We’re not involved in any of these,” DeSantis said.
But lawmakers wonder why they ban it when it’s never been done in Florida.
“Just because we have the power to do something doesn’t mean we should do it,” the state said. Rep. Ashley Gant (D-Miami).
Whether you support the move or not, state leaders like the governor and attorney general are not wasting time leading new laws into action.
