Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov
The Tennessee Conservative Staff –
The Tennessee House passed legislation that would prohibit the intentional release of chemicals into the air in an attempt to modify the weather, temperature, or sunlight intensity.
House Bill 2063 (HB2063) is sponsored by Representative Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32). In Monday’s House session, Fritts moved to conform to companion Senate Bill 2691 (SB2691), sponsored by Senator Steve Southerland (R-Morristown-District 9).
Representative John Ray Clemmons introduced an amendment to the legislation that would add the following new section: “The intentional injection, release, or dispersion, by any means, of chemicals, chemical compounds, substances, or apparatus within the borders of this state into the atmosphere with the express purpose of affecting temperature, weather, or the intensity of the sunlight, which may threaten the Sasquatch and its natural habitat, is prohibited.”
Clemmons noted that he did not intend for his amendment to be taken seriously and moved to withdraw it, asking as well that the sponsor withdraw the bill because it should not be taken seriously either.
There was objection to the withdrawal, and House members voted against withdrawing the amendment. The floor was then opened for discussion on the amendment.
Several representatives, both in jest and in seriousness, asked questions of Clemmons related to the amendment. Previous question was eventually called, and the sponsor was allowed to make closing comments.
Fritts was bothered by Clemmons’ proposed amendment making light of what Fritts considers a true health risk for Tennesseans.
“It bothers me to have to bring this legislation to you. It bothers me further that we would take something as serious as clean air, clean water, and clean soil to grow our crops in and make a laughing stock of it with an amendment here tonight. I’m sad to see that the Tennesseans who are watching this tonight might see that some members in this House don’t take serious their health. And I think that is, quite indeed, a travesty,” Fritts stated.
Fritts went on to further elaborate on the effects of cloud seeding on the weather, and, in turn, the health of people in the state.
He continued, “I submit to you that this is a very common sense thing to do, and we should prohibit this in the state of Tennessee.”
Representative Bo Mitchell (D-Nashville-District 50) asked who would be enforcing the legislation.
Fritts did not answer this question but instead further explained the risks of weather modification.
Mitchell responded, “It’s appropriate that this is on the floor on April 1st.”
Previous question was then called and the bill passed with 70 ayes, 22 nays, and 1 present not voting.
Not all House Republicans voted for the bill. Representative Sam Whitson (R-Franklin-District 65) voted against the legislation, while Representative John Ragan (R-Oak Ridge-District 33) was marked as present but not voting.
The companion Senate bill passed on March 18. This legislation will be forwarded on to Governor Lee to await his action.
