The Iowa House Sub-Committee is currently considering House File 191, aimed at prohibiting geoengineering practices, commonly referred to as "chemtrails." This legislative move was partly inspired by Tennessee's recent law, which has also banned such activities. The bill reflects a growing trend, with many U.S. states now looking into similar regulations. This initiative is not isolated to the U.S.; discussions on geoengineering are also taking place within the European Union, and there have been policy documents from the Biden administration addressing the topic.
The discussion around this bill highlights a concern over potential atmospheric pollution through activities like cloud seeding or weather engineering. Representative Jeff Shipley from District 87 emphasized the importance of Iowa exercising its sovereignty to protect its citizens from these practices, noting that Iowa might be over a decade late in addressing this issue. He referenced U.S. congressional hearings from 2009 and discussions by the Council on Foreign Relations in 2010 about the need for an international framework on geoengineering to combat climate change.
Shipley argued that the lack of clear information on geoengineering justifies an urgent prohibition to gather necessary evidence and data. He urged the Environmental Protection Committee to expedite the process, suggesting that Senate File 142, which he views as a superior legislative document, should be sent to the governor for signing. This action is seen as a necessary step to ensure the health, well-being, and economic prosperity of Iowans are not compromised by these controversial practices.
The sentiment on platforms like X reflects a mix of skepticism and support, with some users expressing disbelief that such concerns are still considered conspiracy theories in 2025, while others applaud states like Iowa for taking proactive steps against what they perceive as the poisoning of the skies.