U. S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has introduced a bill related to “weather manipulation,” which has faced substantial criticism from scientists.

Experts say that Greene’s bill is full of common urban myths that have been debunked by reputable scientific sources, including The National Weather Service (Read more from NOAA here) Scientists emphasize that the bill seems to misunderstand basic weather modification methods like cloud seeding, a small-scale technique used to increase precipitation. This technique involves introducing substances like silver iodide into clouds but is often confused with larger conspiracy theories about weather control.

Scientists aim to address and clarify several myths surrounding cloud seeding. First, cloud seeding is not geoengineering; it is a localized technique aimed at improving rainfall, while geoengineering refers to theoretical, large-scale climate interventions. Second, the visible trails from planes, often linked to cloud seeding, are normal contrails caused by jet engine exhaust, not chemical spraying. Third, while silver iodide can become toxic in high amounts, the levels used in cloud seeding are very low and safe for humans and the environment. Additionally, cloud seeding is not employed for military purposes, as such use has been banned since 1977. Finally, cloud seeding cannot control general weather patterns or create new weather systems; it can only enhance precipitation from existing clouds.

The scientific community warns that Greene’s bill may spread misinformation and stresses the need for legislation based on reliable scientific evidence.