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Newsweek

Map Shows Where Cloud Seeding Takes Place in Texas

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cloud seeding operations have covered about one-sixth of Texas, spanning approximately 31 million acres across the Northwest, West, and South regions of the state as of 2022, according to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). Projects have included the West Texas Weather Modification Association, South Texas Weather Modification Association, Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District, Trans Pecos Weather Modification Association, and the Rolling Plains Water Enhancement Project, each targeting millions of acres. Why It Matters Weather modification has become entangled in political debate. Recent events—such as deadly flooding in Texas' Hill Country and subsequent political commentary—have once again brought the topic to the fore. Officials and experts have attested that weather modification efforts are incapable of controlling severe events like hurricanes or large-scale floods, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration having previously issued fact checks dispelling claims about secret government weather control. What To Know This TDLR map shows weather modification projects in Texas. This TDLR map shows weather modification projects in Texas. Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation The Main Cloud Seeding Projects in Texas West Texas Weather Modification Association (WTWMA) : This group covers about 6.4 million acres in west-central Texas, conducting both rain enhancement and hail suppression. : This group covers about 6.4 million acres in west-central Texas, conducting both rain enhancement and hail suppression. South Texas Weather Modification Association (STWMA) : Based in Pleasanton, this program targets about six million acres from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal bend region. : Based in Pleasanton, this program targets about six million acres from the Edwards Plateau to the coastal bend region. Panhandle Groundwater Conservation District (PGWCD) : This project aims to enhance rainfall and groundwater recharge over nearly 4.1 million acres in the eastern Texas Panhandle. : This project aims to enhance rainfall and groundwater recharge over nearly 4.1 million acres in the eastern Texas Panhandle. Trans Pecos Weather Modification Association (TPWMA) : Active since 2003, TPWMA seeds clouds across 5.1 million acres along and west of the Pecos River. : Active since 2003, TPWMA seeds clouds across 5.1 million acres along and west of the Pecos River. Rolling Plains Water Enhancement Project: Initially covering 3.5 million acres, this initiative has added more counties over time to its coverage. How Cloud Seeding Works Weather modification, commonly referred to as cloud seeding, is an eco-friendly method used to increase precipitation—such as rain or snow—from clouds, according to the North American Weather Modification Council (NAWMC). The process involves dispersing tiny particles, or "seeds," into the clouds to stimulate the formation of extra water droplets or ice crystals, which speeds up precipitation and enhances the cloud's effectiveness. Cloud seeding is also employed to minimize hail damage and dissipate fog. "This well-established technology has been in use since the 1940s in dozens of countries around the world," it says. What People Are Saying Bria DeCarlo, a meteorologist for the South Texas Weather Modification Association told the Houston Chronicle: "Weather modification is a long-term water management strategy that has been proven to be effective for the drought-stricken areas across the United States and Texas." What Happens Next On Saturday, Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene said she was introducing a new bill which would target "weather modification." The bill would prohibit "the injection, release, or dispersion of chemicals or substances into the atmosphere for the express purpose of altering weather, temperature, climate, or sunlight intensity," she said on X. "No person, company, entity, or government should ever be allowed to modify our weather by any means possible!!" she wrote in a follow-up post.