Weather Modification Decision Making: State Law and Public Response

Abstract

A three-year sociological study has focused on a comparison of public response and decision-making processes with reference to weather modification projects in a number of states. Weather modification is currently subject to legislative regulation in 29 states. Selected characteristics of these state laws are examined as relevant aspects of decision-making contexts for the technology. Existence of such legislative specifications as requirements for licenses, permits, and/or environmental impact statements, and provision for public involvement in decision making, advisory committees, tax fund allocations, liability and water rights, are described. These characteristics are compared to occurrences of public support or opposition in project areas. The effect of state legislative regulations on implementation of proposed projects is also discussed. It is anticipated that the relationships which emerge from the analysis will have implications for future developments in public policy with regard to weather modification.