Rep. Greene Declares Shutdown Ends ‘Taxpayer-Funded Weather Modification’

UPDATE: In a striking claim amidst the ongoing government shutdown, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced that this halt has effectively ended what she describes as “taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments.” The Georgia Republican took to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday to assert, “One good thing to come from this government shutdown… CLEAR SKIES!”

Greene’s comments come even as U.S. government agencies have consistently denied involvement in any form of large-scale weather modification. “NO taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments Americans never asked for,” she continued, promoting her Clear Skies Act, which aims to ban geoengineering and weather modification practices she labels as dangerous and unregulated.

The urgency of Greene’s statements highlights a growing concern among some lawmakers about weather modification—a topic that has gained traction among conspiracy theorists who believe these practices contribute to natural disasters. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has reiterated that the U.S. government is not engaged in any outdoor testing or large-scale deployment of technologies aimed at altering the weather.

In a formal statement, the EPA clarified: “Current federal research is designed to improve the ability to observe current conditions in the atmosphere and understand the potential physical impacts of solar geoengineering.” Similarly, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed late last year that it does not fund or participate in cloud seeding or any other weather modification projects.

Despite Greene’s assertions, commercial flights, often the target of conspiracy theories regarding “chemtrails,” continue to operate normally during the shutdown, raising further doubts about her claims. Notably, cloud seeding—a technique employed since the mid-1900s to enhance precipitation—remains primarily funded at state levels. As of July 2024, active cloud seeding programs are reported in at least nine Western states, aimed at increasing snowpack and mitigating drought impacts.

Greene, known for previously endorsing various conspiracy theories, including one alleging that a space laser controlled by a prominent family caused California wildfires, has been an outspoken critic of weather modification. She introduced legislation in July aimed at banning such practices.

Compounding the controversy, reports indicate that the Trump administration is considering a task force under the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate climate and weather control. A memo detailing this initiative, obtained by KFF Health News, referred to various conspiracies surrounding weather modification, which climate scientist Daniel Swain described as “pretty shocking” and likened to “tinfoil hat” theories.

As this situation develops, the implications of Greene’s claims and the government’s response are likely to remain a focal point of public discourse. Observers are encouraged to monitor further updates as the government shutdown continues and discussions around weather modification intensify.

Stay tuned for the latest developments surrounding this urgent issue and its potential impact on environmental policy and public perception.