Rep. Greene Claims Shutdown Halts ‘Weather Modification’ Programs

UPDATE: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has just claimed that the ongoing government shutdown has put an end to what she describes as “taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments.” This statement, made via social media on Friday, is stirring significant debate as federal agencies insist no such experiments exist.

In a post on X, Greene stated, “One good thing to come from this government shutdown… CLEAR SKIES!” She argues that Americans have not consented to these supposed experiments, calling for the passage of her Clear Skies Act to ban geoengineering and weather modification outright. Greene insists, “No more spraying chemicals in our skies. It’s time to end this dangerous and unregulated practice!!”

However, U.S. government officials, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), have consistently confirmed that they do not participate in large-scale weather modification. The EPA stated, “The U.S. government is not engaged in any form of outdoor testing or large-scale deployment” of solar radiation modification technologies. NOAA additionally clarified that it neither funds nor oversees cloud seeding or any form of weather modification.

This assertion comes amidst a backdrop of conspiracy theories suggesting that weather manipulation is responsible for natural disasters. Greene’s claims have drawn scrutiny, particularly as commercial flights—often linked to “chemtrail” theories—continue to operate normally during the shutdown.

Cloud seeding, a method used to influence precipitation, has been practiced since the mid-1900s but is largely funded at the state level. As of July 2024, programs are active in at least nine Western U.S. states, primarily aimed at increasing snowpack and mitigating drought effects.

Despite a lack of evidence supporting Greene’s position, reports indicate that the Trump administration is preparing to establish a task force through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to investigate climate and weather control. An internal memo, acquired by KFF Health News, outlines conspiracy theories regarding weather events that experts deem unfeasible with current technology.

Climate scientist Daniel Swain from the University of California commented on the memo, stating, “That is a pretty shocking memo. It doesn’t get more tinfoil hat. They really believe toxins are being sprayed.”

Greene’s controversial perspectives on weather modification—including her previous claims linking wildfires to a space laser operated by a prominent Jewish family—have marked her as a polarizing figure in American politics. Earlier this year, she introduced a bill aimed at banning weather modification practices altogether.

As the debate unfolds, the implications of these statements and proposed legislation could have widespread effects on environmental policies and public perception of government operations. For now, the discourse around weather modification continues to captivate both supporters and critics, keeping this story at the forefront of current events.

Stay tuned as we monitor this developing situation and its impact on American environmental policy and public opinion.