UPDATE: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has just announced that the ongoing government shutdown has put a stop to alleged “taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments” that U.S. agencies say are not currently happening. “One good thing to come from this government shutdown… CLEAR SKIES!” the Georgia Republican declared on X this past Friday.
Greene’s comments come amidst a backdrop of conspiracy theories surrounding weather modification, which she claims her proposed Clear Skies Act will address by banning geoengineering practices. “No more spraying chemicals in our skies. It’s time to end this dangerous and unregulated practice!” she added, emphasizing the urgency of her message.
However, official sources like the Environmental Protection Agency have consistently stated that the U.S. government is not engaged in any form of large-scale or outdoor weather modification experiments. “The U.S. government is not engaged in any form of outdoor testing or large-scale deployment,” the agency confirmed, noting that current research focuses on improving atmospheric observation.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also reiterated its position, stating on its website that, “NOAA does not fund or participate in cloud seeding or other weather modification projects.” This reinforces the ongoing debate over Greene’s claims, especially as commercial flights—often linked to conspiracy theories about “chemtrails”—continue operations during the shutdown.
Cloud seeding, a practice designed to enhance precipitation, has been conducted in the U.S. since the mid-1900s, primarily funded at the state level. A report from the Government Accountability Office in July 2024 revealed that cloud seeding programs are active in at least nine Western states, where they are utilized to combat drought and improve snowpack.
Despite the lack of evidence supporting her claims, Greene remains a vocal critic of weather modification. This isn’t her first foray into controversial statements; she previously suggested that a space laser controlled by a prominent Jewish family was responsible for wildfires in California. Her recent push to ban weather modification practices is further complicated by reports that the Trump administration is reportedly preparing a task force under the Department of Health and Human Services to investigate climate and weather control.
Experts, including climate scientist Daniel Swain from the University of California, expressed concern over the implications of such a task force, calling a leaked memo outlining conspiracy theories “shocking.” “It doesn’t get more tinfoil hat. They really believe toxins are being sprayed,” he stated, highlighting the growing disconnect between scientific understanding and popular belief.
This ongoing situation continues to evolve, with Greene’s office yet to provide specific details regarding the experiments she claims have been halted. As the government shutdown persists, the debate over weather modification practices and their implications remains a hot topic, capturing the attention of both supporters and critics alike.
Next, all eyes will be on Greene’s proposed legislation and any potential responses from federal agencies as they address the claims of weather modification—an issue that blends politics, science, and public perception in an ever-complicated narrative.