132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 825		LR 1237(01)
	An Act to Prohibit Geoengineering, Including the Use of Cloud Seeding, Weather Modification, Excessive Radio Waves and Microwave Radiation
	Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement for Original Bill
	Sponsor: Sen. Black of Franklin
	Committee: Environment and Natural Resources
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Preliminary Fiscal Impact Statement
Potential future biennium revenue increase - General Fund
			FY 2025-26	FY 2026-27	Projections  FY 2027-28	Projections  FY 2028-29
Net Cost (Savings)
	General Fund		$217,316	$233,189	$237,167	$246,741
Appropriations/Allocations
	General Fund		$217,316	$233,189	$237,167	$246,741
Correctional and Judicial Impact Statements
	The additional workload associated with the minimal number of new felony cases filed in the court system does not require additional funding at this time. The collection of additional fines has the potential to increase future General Fund or other dedicated revenue.
Fiscal Detail and Notes
	This bill prohibits activities that constitute or involve geoengineering and requires the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to enforce the prohibition. The DEP has indicated that the additional compliance, investigatory, and outreach efforts needed cannot be absorbed within existing staffing and would require additional resources. The DEP would require ongoing General Fund appropriations of $217,316 beginning in fiscal year 2025-26 for one Environmental Specialist III position, one Senior Meteorologist position, and associated position costs.