S934 is designed to stop the release of hazardous chemicals or hazardous physical agents into the atmosphere when the purpose is geoengineering. The bill supplements Title 26 and creates a direct statewide prohibition applying to both private and public entities.
The bill defines geoengineering as the intentional manipulation of the environment through a chemical or other physical agent to bring about changes to Earth’s atmospheric or surface conditions. The examples listed in the bill include weather modification, aerosol injection, chaff dispersal, and cloud seeding. It also defines terms such as albedo, cloud seeding, chaff, and weather modification, laying out the activities the Legislature intends to address.
Importantly, S934 does more than declare a prohibition. It sets up an enforcement and reporting structure. The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to establish a program that encourages members of the public to monitor, document, and report incidents that may violate the act. The bill specifically says the program must allow submission of evidence such as photographs, audio, video, precipitation analysis reports, microscopy images, spectrometry reports, and other appropriate forms of evidence. DEP would then be required to promptly investigate credible reports.
The bill also creates meaningful penalties. A violator could face up to $10,000 for a first offense, $25,000 for a second offense, and $50,000 for a third and each subsequent offense, with each day of violation treated as a separate offense. It provides notice and hearing procedures under the Administrative Procedure Act and requires DEP to adopt implementing rules within 18 months of enactment.
For supporters, the value of S934 is straightforward: it says New Jersey should take a clear stand against the atmospheric release of hazardous substances for geoengineering purposes and should put environmental health, public transparency, and enforceable protections first. That is why we are urging legislators to do more than vote yes, we are asking them to become co-sponsors now. S934 has already earned bipartisan support, proving that protecting New Jersey’s air, families, and future should rise above party lines.
Why We Support It
We support S934 because New Jersey families should not have to wonder whether hazardous substances are being released into the atmosphere above their homes, schools, farms, and communities. The bill is rooted in a simple principle: our skies should not be used for activities that may place our air, land, or public health at risk.
We believe protecting the atmosphere means protecting:
- our lungs from unnecessary exposure
- our children as they grow, breathe, and play
- our land and food supply from contamination concerns
- our right to transparency and public accountability
S934 gives New Jersey a clear legal framework: prohibit hazardous atmospheric releases for geoengineering purposes, empower DEP to enforce the law, and create a mechanism for public reporting and investigation.