Wyoming Committee Reviews Cloud Seeding Science with Experts from Multiple States
August 29, 2025 | Agriculture, State & Public Lands & Water Resources Committee, Senate, Committees, Legislative, Wyoming
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The Joint Agriculture, State and Public Lands & Water Resources Committee of the Wyoming Legislature convened on August 28, 2025, to discuss the state’s cloud seeding program and its implications for water resources. The meeting featured a panel of experts, including Dr. Jeff French from the University of Wyoming, Patrick Golden from Heritage Environmental, and Jonathan Jennings from the Utah Division of Water Resources.
The session began with an introduction to cloud seeding, a technique aimed at enhancing precipitation by introducing aerosol particles into clouds. Dr. French emphasized the importance of understanding both what cloud seeding is and what it is not, clarifying that it cannot create clouds from clear skies but can improve the efficiency of existing clouds that are not producing precipitation effectively.
The committee reviewed the current operations of Wyoming's cloud seeding program, which has been in place for over 20 years. The program has evolved from initial research to operational status, with significant contributions from the University of Wyoming, which has a long history in cloud seeding research dating back to the 1960s.
Discussion also touched on the legislative activities from the 2025 session, particularly regarding the management of water resources in light of stresses in the Colorado River Basin. The committee explored strategies for flow augmentation through cloud seeding, highlighting its potential role in addressing water scarcity issues.
Environmental considerations were a key focus, with experts present to address concerns related to the program's impact. The meeting concluded with a comparative analysis of cloud seeding practices in other states, particularly Utah, to provide context for Wyoming's efforts.
Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the significance of cloud seeding as a tool for enhancing water resources in Wyoming, while also addressing the environmental and operational challenges associated with its implementation. Further follow-up actions and discussions are anticipated as the program continues to develop.
The session began with an introduction to cloud seeding, a technique aimed at enhancing precipitation by introducing aerosol particles into clouds. Dr. French emphasized the importance of understanding both what cloud seeding is and what it is not, clarifying that it cannot create clouds from clear skies but can improve the efficiency of existing clouds that are not producing precipitation effectively.
The committee reviewed the current operations of Wyoming's cloud seeding program, which has been in place for over 20 years. The program has evolved from initial research to operational status, with significant contributions from the University of Wyoming, which has a long history in cloud seeding research dating back to the 1960s.
Discussion also touched on the legislative activities from the 2025 session, particularly regarding the management of water resources in light of stresses in the Colorado River Basin. The committee explored strategies for flow augmentation through cloud seeding, highlighting its potential role in addressing water scarcity issues.
Environmental considerations were a key focus, with experts present to address concerns related to the program's impact. The meeting concluded with a comparative analysis of cloud seeding practices in other states, particularly Utah, to provide context for Wyoming's efforts.
Overall, the committee's discussions underscored the significance of cloud seeding as a tool for enhancing water resources in Wyoming, while also addressing the environmental and operational challenges associated with its implementation. Further follow-up actions and discussions are anticipated as the program continues to develop.
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