Zeldin releases EPA data on contrails and solar geoengineering amid Texas flood backlash
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin pledged to release internal data on weather-modification technologies after conspiracies surged in the wake of deadly Texas flooding.
Kevin Bogardus and Ellie Borst report for E&E News.
In short:
- The EPA launched new public webpages outlining what it knows about contrails and geoengineering, addressing theories that linked these to catastrophic flooding in Texas.
- The agency reaffirmed that contrails are condensation trails and not evidence of chemical spraying, stating it found no scientific basis for claims about military or covert operations.
- The agency is reviewing the actions of Make Sunsets, a private firm releasing sulfur dioxide for solar geoengineering, citing concerns about pollution and the need for regulatory oversight.
Key quote:
“There are scientists who work at the Environmental Protection Agency who could explain water vapor and condensation to [Zeldin] but unfortunately he is trying to fire all of them.”
— Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer
Why this matters:
Claims that weather events are being artificially engineered have gained traction in some political circles and online platforms, often overshadowing scientific consensus and distracting from pressing environmental concerns. Understanding the science — and separating fact from fiction — is vital for sound policy and public trust.
Read more: Texas flood disaster reveals rising human cost of climate-fueled extreme weather
