What's Happening?
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene has claimed that the ongoing government shutdown has halted 'taxpayer-funded weather modification experiments,' despite U.S. government agencies stating they are not involved
in such activities. Greene announced her intention to introduce the Clear Skies Act, which aims to ban geoengineering and weather modification. The Environmental Protection Agency has clarified that the U.S. government is not engaged in any outdoor testing or large-scale deployment of technologies to modify solar radiation. Greene's claims align with conspiracy theories that suggest weather modification is responsible for natural disasters.
Why It's Important?
The claims made by Rep. Greene highlight the influence of conspiracy theories in political discourse. While the U.S. government has denied involvement in weather modification, the persistence of such theories can impact public perception and policy discussions. Greene's proposed legislation, if pursued, could lead to debates on the regulation of scientific research and environmental policies. The situation underscores the challenges faced by policymakers in addressing misinformation and its potential effects on legislative priorities.