UPDATE: In a bold claim, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene asserts that the ongoing government shutdown has put an end to what she calls “taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments.” Greene, a Republican from Georgia, took to social media on Friday to declare, “One good thing to come from this government shutdown… CLEAR SKIES!”
This declaration comes as a surprise, given that U.S. government agencies have repeatedly stated they are not involved in any large-scale weather modification efforts. Greene’s remarks have drawn attention as Americans grapple with the implications of government spending and scientific oversight.
According to Greene, her Clear Skies Act aims to ban geoengineering and eliminate what she describes as “dangerous and unregulated practices” involving weather modification, including the alleged spraying of chemicals in the atmosphere. “It’s time to end this dangerous and unregulated practice!!” she emphasized in her post.
However, officials from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have countered these claims, stating, “The U.S. government is not engaged in any form of outdoor testing or large-scale deployment” of weather modification technologies. This assertion is echoed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which confirmed on its website that it does not fund or participate in cloud seeding or any other weather modification activities.
Greene’s comments have sparked widespread debate, particularly among conspiracy theorists who believe that weather modification has contributed to natural disasters. Despite these claims, credible sources maintain that such large-scale weather manipulation is not only scientifically unfounded but also unfeasible with current technology.
As the government shutdown continues, commercial flights—often targeted by conspiracy theories concerning “chemtrails”—remain operational, further casting doubt on Greene’s assertions. Experts highlight that cloud seeding, which has been practiced in the U.S. since the mid-1900s, is primarily funded at the state level and is actively used in at least nine Western states to combat drought conditions.
In a recent report by the Government Accountability Office, it was noted that while cloud seeding initiatives exist, they are not federally funded and do not involve large-scale weather modification as Greene suggests.
Greene, known for her controversial views, previously promoted conspiracy theories linking space lasers to California wildfires. In July 2024, she introduced legislation aimed at banning weather modification practices entirely. The Trump administration is also reportedly setting up a task force under the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate climate and weather control methods, according to an agency memo obtained by KFF Health News.
“The memo describes a series of conspiracies that either haven’t occurred or could not physically happen with current technologies,” noted climate scientist Daniel Swain of the University of California. “It doesn’t get more tinfoil hat. They really believe toxins are being sprayed,” he added, criticizing the unfounded nature of these beliefs.
As Greene’s claims gain traction, it remains crucial for the public to discern fact from fiction, especially during this critical period of government shutdown. The implications of these statements could influence public perception and policy regarding environmental management and scientific research.
With the situation evolving, it is essential for readers to stay informed about the latest developments surrounding this contentious issue. What will the impact be on future legislative efforts and public trust in government agencies? Only time will tell, but the conversation around weather modification is far from over.
