In a pivotal moment for environmental oversight, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene chaired a congressional hearing on September 16, 2025, delving into the shadowy world of geo-engineering and weather modification. Titled “Playing God with the Weather: A Disastrous Forecast,” the session brought to light practices that have long operated under the radar, raising alarms about their profound impacts on human health, ecosystems, and particularly American agriculture. As chairwoman of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, Greene spearheaded this inquiry to scrutinize the federal government’s involvement, the ethical dilemmas, and the unintended consequences of tampering with the atmosphere. This hearing was not mere political theater; it highlighted technologies that private entities and governments have employed for decades, often without public consent or rigorous regulation.
Geo-engineering encompasses a range of techniques designed to alter the Earth’s climate and weather systems. These include cloud seeding, where chemicals like silver iodide are dispersed into clouds to induce precipitation, and more ambitious solar radiation management strategies that aim to reflect sunlight away from the planet. Such methods trace their roots back to the mid-20th century. In 1946, a chemist’s accidental discovery led to the development of cloud seeding, which has since been used to combat droughts and enhance water supplies in various regions. Over the years, more than 50 countries, including the United States, have engaged in these activities. Historical U.S. military operations, such as Operation Popeye during the Vietnam War, demonstrated the potential to extend monsoon seasons through cloud seeding, proving that weather can indeed be weaponized. Today, programs continue under the auspices of agencies like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and China stated in 2020 that is planning to influence over half its weather by 2025.
During the hearing, witnesses, including experts like Roger Pielke Jr. and Chris Martz, provided testimony on the realities of these technologies. Discussions covered solar geo-engineering, which involves injecting aerosols into the stratosphere to dim the sun, and other forms of atmospheric manipulation. Greene emphasized that these are not fringe theories but a multi-billion-dollar industry lacking sufficient oversight. She pointed out the absence of public votes or informed consent for dispersing chemicals into the skies, framing it as an overreach that demands immediate accountability.
At the heart of Greene’s concerns is her proposed legislation, the Clear Skies Act, which seeks to ban weather modification and geo-engineering nationwide. Introduced earlier in 2025, the bill would impose fines up to $100,000 and potential jail time for violators. Modeled after similar state-level efforts, such as Florida’s Senate Bill 56, it targets the release of substances intended to alter weather, temperature, or sunlight. Greene’s push comes amid growing evidence of ongoing programs, including those funded by private ‘philanthropists’ and international entities, which she argues threaten national sovereignty and public safety.
The implications for American agriculture are particularly dire, positioning geo-engineering as an existential threat to the nation’s food security. By blocking sunlight through solar radiation management, these techniques could reduce photosynthesis in crops, leading to widespread yield declines. Corn, soy, and wheat fields across the Midwest might suffer from diminished growth, as plants rely on consistent solar exposure to thrive. Disrupted weather patterns, such as artificially induced droughts or floods, exacerbate the problem. For instance, uneven rainfall from cloud seeding could drown one region’s harvests while starving another’s, destabilizing supply chains and driving up food prices. Recent crop collapses in areas like Iowa have been linked to anomalous sky conditions, including persistent gray veils that obscure natural sunlight. These interventions introduce toxic particles like aluminum oxide, barium, and strontium into the environment, which settle into soil and water, potentially contaminating farmlands and harming livestock. The result is not just economic loss for farmers but a broader assault on biodiversity, soil health, and the very foundation of rural communities.
Beyond agriculture, the hearing underscored broader risks to human well-being. Atmospheric chemicals may interact with electromagnetic fields, raising questions about long-term health effects, including respiratory issues and neurological impacts. Ethical concerns loom large: who decides when and where to “play God” with the weather? Without stringent laws, these technologies could be exploited for geopolitical advantage, turning the skies into a battleground. Greene’s call to end these practices resonates as a defense of natural cycles against human hubris, urging a return to skies untainted by artificial interference.
As the dust settles from this landmark hearing, it is clear that geo-engineering represents a profound challenge to our collective future. By shining a light on these hidden operations, Representative Greene has ignited a necessary debate, one that prioritizes transparency and protection over unchecked experimentation. The time has come for policymakers to heed these warnings and safeguard the natural world before irreversible damage takes hold.