Arizona: HB2042

This bill proposes to prohibit solar radiation management (SRM) activities in Arizona, which refers to any intentional attempt to modify atmospheric reflectivity to change the amount of sunlight reaching the earth. Specifically, the bill would make it illegal for anyone to inject, release, or dispense materials within Arizona for SRM purposes. Additionally, the bill prevents any political subdivision, public university, or publicly funded private entity from providing grants for SRM technology development. The bill establishes a complaint mechanism where any Arizona resident can submit a detailed complaint to the Attorney General about potential SRM violations, including information such as dates, location, and supporting evidence. The Attorney General is required to investigate credible complaints and may independently investigate suspected violations. If a violation is found in court, the bill allows for injunctive relief, attorney fees, and potential additional remedies. The legislation aims to prevent potential climate engineering techniques that might involve manipulating solar radiation, reflecting concerns about the potential environmental and ecological consequences of such interventions.