Prohibits the intentional release or dispersion, by burning of fuel, of chemicals into the environment of this state with the express purpose of affecting temperature. (8/1/26)

Senate Bill 189 amends Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 30:2057(A)(3)(a) to expand the existing prohibition on intentional atmospheric dispersal of substances meant to alter climate, temperature, weather, or sunlight. The bill adds explicit language prohibiting the burning of fuel in an aircraft engine as a method of dispersing such materials. The amendment preserves all existing exceptions to the prohibition, which currently exclude fire retardant and fire suppressant substances applied below one thousand feet for fire suppression purposes and aerial applications of seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides below one thousand feet for agricultural or forestry purposes.

The practical effect of this amendment is to clarify and strengthen enforcement authority against geoengineering or weather modification activities conducted within Louisiana's borders through aircraft operations. Specifically, the addition of aircraft engine fuel burning addresses methods that might otherwise fall outside the scope of existing language by creating explicit statutory language targeting aerial dispersal techniques. Any person operating aircraft within Louisiana airspace who intentionally burns fuel to disperse chemicals for the purpose of affecting atmospheric conditions would be in violation of state law. The bill does not impose affirmative obligations on any particular persons or entities but rather defines conduct that is prohibited, allowing state environmental authorities to enforce the existing statutory framework against violators.

This amendment operates within Louisiana's existing environmental protection framework under the Louisiana Environmental Quality Act codified in Title 30 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes. The underlying statute at R.S. 30:2057 already established a prohibition on intentional atmospheric dispersal of substances for weather modification purposes, and this bill clarifies that prohibition by specifying aircraft-based fuel burning as a prohibited method. The statute reflects Louisiana's policy position against unilateral weather modification activities within its borders, a matter falling within the state's traditional police power to regulate environmental quality and protect the health and welfare of residents. The effective date of August 1, 2026 allows time for implementation and notice to affected parties.