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Mon Jul 7 23:54:39 2025 (*b387b012*):: +public! The Texas Weather Modification Act of 1967, enacted by the 60th Texas Legislature and now codified as Chapter 301 of the Texas Agriculture Code, regulates weather modification activities, primarily cloud seeding, to ensure they do not adversely affect natural rainfall or clouds. Key provisions include:

• Regulation and Oversight: The Act initially placed oversight with the Texas Water Development Board, later transferred to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). It requires individuals or organizations conducting weather modification to obtain a license and permit from TDLR. Licenses are granted based on the applicant’s meteorological expertise, while permits evaluate specific project merits, requiring public notice and proof of insurability.

• Purpose and Activities: The Act promotes cloud seeding to enhance rainfall, particularly for agriculture and aquifer recharge, and supports research into weather modification technologies. It also allows for hail suppression in some cases. The TDLR is tasked with promoting research, development, and demonstration of these technologies.

• Cooperation and Funding: The Act authorizes TDLR to enter cooperative agreements with federal, state, or private entities for weather modification operations and to represent Texas in interstate compacts. Between 1997 and 2004, state funds supported local cloud seeding projects, though this program ended in 2004.

• Exemptions and Penalties: Research by state, federal, or nonprofit entities may be exempt from licensing under TDLR rules. Violations of the Act, such as operating without a license or permit, can result in penalties.

The Act reflects Texas’ long history of weather modification, dating back to the 1890s, with significant activity during the 1950s drought. It balances the potential benefits of rainfall enhancement with regulatory oversight to address environmental and legal concerns.