MOONDUNES

Vol. 25, Issue 02.26–Exclusive:

Commerce Shakeup: Cloudseeding the NOAA

 

Introduction

    As with other government agencies currently in an existential conflict to survive, the Commerce Department has to make some serious adjustments not just in its lopsided budget floating the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Agency, NOAA, but in a subsidiary, the National Weather Service, NWS.

     The new secretary has created doubts, first in Senate confirmations hearings, second in the agency and press as well, over his position as to the fate of NOAA. The agency consumes more than half the department budget and Commerce is also tasked with aspects of tariffs, which have been front page news for weeks. 

     This report hopes to address certain key claims surrounding the agency’s role, it’s research and the recent scandal over weather modification conspiracy theory in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

(Image credit: a photoshopped combination of a hurricane from space, hurricane or typhoon from space, and a C-130 from Aircraft Performance Database > C130.)

Methodology

  The report will follow a similar pattern utilized for others: Introduction, followed by Methodology, Capsules which will provide background from artificial intelligence, enclosed in (Begin Perplexity-AI) and (End Perplexity-AI), with links in text and to the AI search query. Next, other modules include Newspaper Archive, and Congressional Records, concluding with some research Notes and an Afterword.

Capsules

(Begin Perplexity-AI)

NOAA challenged by dismantling

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is facing significant challenges due to proposals to dismantle the agency, primarily stemming from the conservative think tank Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” initiative12. This proposal has sparked controversy and concern among environmental advocates, scientists, and politicians.

Key Points of the Proposal

• Project 2025 calls for breaking up and downsizing NOAA, claiming it has become “one of the main drivers of the climate change alarm industry”1.

• The plan suggests eliminating many of NOAA’s functions, transferring some to other agencies, privatizing others, or placing them under state and territorial control1.

• It specifically targets the National Weather Service for privatization4.

Potential Impacts

Public Safety and Weather Forecasting

• Dismantling NOAA could disrupt access to critical weather data, potentially affecting hurricane tracking, wildfire warnings, and daily weather forecasts56.

• Experts warn that privatizing weather services could make life-saving information less accessible, especially to lower-income communities5.

Environmental and Economic Consequences

• The proposal could impact ocean conservation efforts and fisheries management14.

• Industries relying on NOAA data, including agriculture, tourism, and transportation, may face significant disruptions7.

Scientific Research

• NOAA’s role in climate change research and oceanic studies could be severely compromised24.

Opposition and Concerns

• Democrats and environmental advocates have strongly criticized the proposal, arguing it would jeopardize public safety and environmental protection17.

• Scientists and industry experts warn that dismantling NOAA could lead to loss of life and economic instability, especially in the face of increasing climate-related challenges56.

Current Status

As of February 2025, the proposal remains controversial. While the Trump administration has not officially endorsed Project 2025, there are concerns about potential actions aligned with its recommendations58. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing debates about the future of NOAA and its critical services.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/noaa-challenged-by-dismantling-MwrK8pyIRKCIQ_pBPnWzRA

NWS challenged by dismantling

The National Weather Service (NWS) is facing significant challenges due to potential dismantling efforts. Project 2025, a conservative platform document, has called for the breakup of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes the NWS14. This proposal has raised concerns among experts and scientists who argue that such actions would severely hamper the federal government’s ability to understand and address climate change, as well as provide critical weather information1.

Key Challenges

1.  Privatization of Weather Data: The plan suggests selling all of the National Weather Service’s data to private companies4. This could limit public access to vital weather information and potentially compromise public safety5.

2. Reduced Funding and Resources: Dismantling NOAA would likely lead to significant budget cuts and downsizing of various sub-agencies, including the NWS4. This could impact the agency’s ability to maintain its current level of service and research capabilities.

3. Data Integrity Concerns: There are worries about potential data modifications or outages during any reorganization process, which could have severe consequences for weather forecasting and climate monitoring4.

4. Loss of Holistic Management: The breakup of NOAA could complicate ocean regulation and weaken marine protections, as the agency currently provides comprehensive management of various interconnected environmental systems4.

5. Threat to Scientific Research: The proposed changes could lead to a decline in public investment in science, potentially reducing funding and opportunities for critical climate and marine research4.

Historical Context

Attempts to privatize or dismantle parts of NOAA and NWS are not new. In 1983, the Reagan administration proposed selling NOAA’s weather satellites, which was ultimately rejected2. In 2005, Senator Rick Santorum introduced a bill to prohibit NWS from freely distributing weather data, which also failed to pass2.

Current Situation: 

As of February 2025, while no concrete actions have been taken to dismantle NOAA or NWS, there are indications that the current administration is considering significant changes to the agency’s structure and operations5. This has caused anxiety among NOAA employees and raised concerns about the potential impact on public safety and scientific research5.

The consequences of dismantling NOAA and NWS would be far-reaching, affecting not only weather forecasting but also climate research, ocean management, and various other scientific endeavors crucial for public safety and environmental protection6

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/nws-challenged-by-dismantling-qGRfplyHQcqX0ulWx_6vjA

commerce secretary position on dismantling NOAA

Howard Lutnick, the recently confirmed U.S. Secretary of Commerce, has provided conflicting statements regarding the future of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Initially, during his confirmation hearings, Lutnick assured senators that he had “no plans to dissolve NOAA” and stated that dismantling the agency was “not part of my agenda”24. He emphasized the importance of NOAA’s work and committed to protecting it.

However, recent developments have cast doubt on these assurances. In response to written questions from lawmakers, Lutnick’s stance appeared less definitive, stating it was “premature to discuss any specific plans” regarding NOAA’s future1. This shift in tone has raised concerns among NOAA supporters and employees.

Adding to the uncertainty, reports suggest that the Trump administration, guided by the conservative Project 2025 policy outline and influenced by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), may be considering significant changes to NOAA12. These potential changes include budget cuts, staff reductions, and even the possibility of dismantling or privatizing parts of the agency.

The situation remains fluid, with conflicting signals from the administration and growing concern among scientific experts. Over 2,500 scientists and experts have urged Congress and Secretary Lutnick to protect NOAA’s funding, staffing, and scientific independence3. As of now, the exact plans for NOAA under Secretary Lutnick’s leadership remain unclear, with ongoing debates about the agency’s future structure and capabilities.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/commerce-secretary-position-on-UjoFFfhUSc6P6IB4qstCrg

NOAA budget compared to others in Commerce Department

NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) accounts for a significant portion of the Department of Commerce’s budget. For the fiscal year 2025, NOAA’s proposed budget is $6.6 billion, which represents more than half of the Department of Commerce’s total discretionary budget of approximately $11 billion13.

This substantial allocation reflects NOAA’s broad responsibilities and importance within the department. Some key points about NOAA’s budget in comparison to other Commerce Department agencies include:

1. NOAA’s budget is significantly larger than other agencies within the department. For example, the Census Bureau’s budget for FY 2025 is proposed at $1.578 billion1.

2. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is allocated $311.5 million for maintenance, renovations, and improvements at its research campuses1.

3. NOAA’s budget covers a wide range of activities, including weather and climate satellites ($2.1 billion), climate research programs ($212 million), and expanding offshore wind permitting ($53 million)1.

4. The Department of Commerce’s total discretionary budget for FY 2025 is proposed at approximately $11 billion, with NOAA accounting for about 60% of this total13.

NOAA’s large budget share within the Commerce Department is partly due to its diverse responsibilities, which include weather forecasting, fisheries management, climate research, and satellite operations. This broad scope has led to some unusual overlaps with other departments, such as the management of salmon in both fresh and saltwater2.

The size and scope of NOAA’s budget within the Commerce Department highlight its critical role in providing environmental intelligence and supporting various national priorities related to weather, climate, and ocean resources.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/noaa-budget-compared-to-others-vqT5rJA6QaOCBI.UweXODQ

noaa gulf of mexico cloud seeding scandal

There is no current NOAA cloud seeding scandal in the Gulf of Mexico. NOAA has explicitly stated that it does not modify the weather or participate in cloud seeding or any weather modification activities14. The organization has been forced to issue clarifications due to the spread of misinformation and conspiracy theories about weather control.

Historical Context

While NOAA is not currently involved in weather modification, there have been past attempts to manipulate hurricanes:

1. Project Cirrus (1947): The first experiment to seed a hurricane with dry ice, which led to controversy when the hurricane changed course3.

2. Project STORMFURY (1962-1983): NOAA’s predecessor attempted to weaken hurricanes by seeding them with silver iodide. The project was discontinued due to inconclusive results and the discovery that hurricanes naturally behave in ways similar to what the seeding was intended to achieve35.

   Current Stance

3. 1. It does not fund, participate in, or oversee cloud seeding or any weather modification projects4.

   2. No technology exists that can create, destroy, modify, strengthen, or steer hurricanes1.

   3. All hurricanes, including recent ones like Helene and Milton, are natural phenomena1.

      NOAA has clearly stated that:

      Misinformation and Legislation

4. Recent extreme weather events have fueled conspiracy theories about weather modification:

   1. Some politicians have spread misinformation about government weather control, leading to NOAA’s public clarifications1.

   2. Florida has proposed legislation (Senate Bill 56) to ban weather modification activities, despite such practices not being conducted in the state for nearly 50 years2.

   NOAA continues to focus on improving hurricane forecasts and understanding through scientific research rather than attempting to modify weather patterns3.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/noaa-gulf-of-mexico-cloud-seed-_zEBGqTMSBy6RD7DY32q9g

how did the conspiracy start that noaa cloudseeding caused hurricane helene

The conspiracy theory that NOAA cloud seeding caused Hurricane Helene emerged in the aftermath of the devastating 2024 Atlantic hurricane season12. This false claim spread rapidly on social media platforms, fueled by several factors:

1. Historical context: The U.S. government had previously experimented with hurricane modification through cloud seeding between 1962 and 1983, which provided a kernel of truth for conspiracy theorists to exploit3.

2. Political amplification: High-profile politicians, including Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, made posts on social media platforms suggesting that weather control was possible23. Greene shared a map purportedly showing that Hurricane Helene disproportionately affected Republican-leaning areas6.

3. Misunderstanding of cloud seeding: Conspiracy theorists pointed to cloud seeding as evidence of weather control capabilities, despite experts explaining that this technique is limited in scope and cannot influence hurricanes36.

4. Online influencers: Right-wing figures and conspiracy theorists like Alex Jones promoted the idea that Hurricanes Helene and Milton were “weather weapons” created by the U.S. government25.

5. Distrust in government: Some social media users claimed that the federal government could have “killed the storm in the Gulf of Mexico,” feeding into existing skepticism about official narratives3.

The spread of these conspiracy theories was exacerbated by the unusual nature of the 2024 hurricane season, which saw a lull in activity followed by two powerful storms2. This misinformation hampered relief efforts and led to threats against meteorologists and officials involved in the hurricane response23.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/how-did-the-conspiracy-start-t-oL78ZL60ReuMzUOewEvHkA

was noaa blamed for cloud seeding that caused hurricane helene

NOAA was not blamed for cloud seeding that caused Hurricane Helene. In fact, NOAA has explicitly debunked claims about weather modification and hurricane creation36.

Hurricane Helene, which made landfall on September 26, 2024, was not a product of weather modification or cloud seeding1. NOAA confirmed that there were no weather modification activities that could have resulted in Hurricane Helene, stating that hurricanes form naturally given the right conditions1.

Despite this, conspiracy theories and false claims spread on social media, suggesting that Hurricane Helene was “engineered” or manipulated through cloud seeding25. These baseless claims were amplified by some politicians and conspiracy theorists, leading NOAA to issue a fact-check statement6.

NOAA clarified that it does not engage in cloud seeding or any other forms of weather modification3. The agency’s goal is to enhance understanding and forecasting of Earth’s systems, not to manipulate weather3. NOAA emphasized that no technology exists that can create, destroy, modify, strengthen, or steer hurricanes in any way6.

While cloud seeding is a real technique used in some areas to enhance precipitation, it cannot create or control hurricanes8. The last U.S. government attempts to modify hurricanes ended in 1983, and these efforts were found to be ineffective compared to the natural forces of hurricanes5.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/was-noaa-blamed-for-cloud-seed-434.rD7IQVeAE1sfFxmNvw

did cloudseeding conspiracy theory adversely affect noaa credibility due to hurricane helene

The cloud seeding conspiracy theory did adversely affect NOAA’s credibility following Hurricane Helene in 2024, prompting the agency to issue a public statement debunking these claims1. The spread of baseless conspiracy theories about weather modification and hurricane manipulation on social media platforms led to a significant shift in public perception, moving away from acknowledging NOAA’s advances in accurate forecasting to unfounded claims about weather control1.

NOAA was compelled to respond directly to these conspiracy theories, stating unequivocally that they do not modify the weather, fund, participate in, or oversee cloud seeding or any other weather modification activities1. The agency emphasized that their objective is to better understand and predict Earth’s systems, not to control them1.

The proliferation of these conspiracy theories, amplified by high-profile politicians and social media influencers, garnered millions of views online24. This widespread misinformation hindered efforts to provide aid and accurate information to hurricane victims2. The situation became so severe that it led to credible threats and calls for violence against federal government officials, including demands to confront FEMA and threats against emergency responders4.

The impact of these conspiracy theories on NOAA’s credibility was significant enough that it necessitated not only a public statement from the agency but also responses from other officials and even the President of the United States4. The persistence of these false narratives, despite debunking efforts, demonstrates the challenge NOAA and other scientific agencies face in maintaining public trust in the face of widespread misinformation.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/did-cloudseeding-conspiracy-th-QQXB91PCQni1tZR8ygbNwQ

could false cloud seeding conspiracy theory affect decision to dismantle noaa

False conspiracy theories about cloud seeding could potentially impact decisions regarding NOAA, but it’s unlikely to lead to the agency’s dismantling. However, these theories have already prompted NOAA to take action to counter misinformation:

1. NOAA has issued public statements debunking conspiracy theories related to weather modification and hurricane control36.

2. The agency clarified that it does not modify weather, fund, participate in, or oversee cloud seeding or any weather modification activities6.

3. NOAA emphasized that no technology exists to create, destroy, modify, strengthen, or steer hurricanes6.

These actions demonstrate that NOAA is actively working to address and counter false information. While conspiracy theories can influence public perception and potentially impact policy decisions, dismantling a crucial agency like NOAA based on unfounded claims is improbable. The agency’s role in weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and other essential scientific functions makes it too valuable to dismantle over conspiracy theories.

However, these false narratives could lead to:

1. Increased scrutiny of NOAA’s activities and funding

2. Potential challenges in implementing legitimate weather-related programs

3. A need for more resources dedicated to public education and myth-busting

In conclusion, while false cloud seeding conspiracy theories are unlikely to result in NOAA’s dismantling, they do create challenges for the agency and may influence public trust in scientific institutions13.

https://www.perplexity.ai/search/could-false-cloud-seeding-cons-CZPH6aWSQAWW62yTj8FkBQ

(End Perplexity-AI)

Newspaper Archive

False claims suggesting that Hurricane Milton was “engineered” and that the weather in Florida is being “manipulated” have been spreading on social media.

There is no technology that allows humans to create and control hurricanes.

But on platforms like X and TikTok, posts alleging – without evidence – that the US government is secretly controlling the weather have been viewed millions of times.

Many were published by accounts known for spreading conspiracy theories, as well as misinformation about Covid-19 or vaccines.

On Wednesday, US President Joe Biden described the claims as “beyond ridiculous”, adding “it’s so stupid, it’s got to stop”.

He was responding to Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene, who in recent days suggested on her social media accounts that the US government “can control the weather”.

Posts seen by BBC Verify mainly suggest Hurricane Milton, one of the strongest storms in recent US history, was purposefully created by shadowy forces at the heart of US politics.

But the accounts making that claim proposed several different explanations for how that was supposedly done.

Some users alleged weather manipulation techniques like cloud seeding are to blame.

Cloud seeding involves manipulating existing clouds to try to produce more rain, for example in countries with a dry climate.

But the south-east of the US had already been hit by huge amounts of rainfall from Hurricane Helene, which triggered deadly flooding in several states just two weeks ago.

“When we cloud seed, it is because we do not have enough aerosols or water vapor within the atmosphere to see condensation occur, so we try and force it through cloud seeding,” says Jill Trepanier, an expert in extreme weather phenomena from Louisiana State University. (continue reading)

False claims about Hurricane Milton’s origins spread online

Congressional Record

119th Congress (2025 – 2026) – 1st Session, 18 February 2025.

CREC-2025-02-18-pt1-PgS1002-2.pdf

(Page S1003) The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Washington. 

Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, I come to the floor today to talk about the nomination of the President’s nominee to run the Department of Commerce, an Agency that is charged with a broad mission and a lot of complex issues that affect many sectors of our economy…

(Page S1005)

…But when we come to NOAA, which is 60 percent of the Commerce budget, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, when asked for the record, ‘‘Should NOAA be dismantled, as called for in Project 2025?’’ Mr. Lutnick would only say he will figure it out once he is confirmed. We needed a bigger commitment to NOAA. NOAA already supplies a big, important aspect of what we deal with, with weather forecasting, tracking extreme weather, hurricanes, wildfires, managing our fisheries, operating ships that conduct important charting for national security. Mr. Lutnick gave very tepid support for NOAA. (Maria Cantwell, D-WA)

(Image credit: Maria Cantwell | Congress.gov | Library of Congress)

Notes

     The role of weather modification plays a significant role in the outcome of the debacle that was Hurricane Helene. Had it not been promoted by the congresswoman MTG, not much would have come of it. But the public is fickle, and social media even more so when it comes to blame fixing. Especially true when an election lay just beyond the twisted rubble and demolished houses in the path of the cyclone.

Afterword

     The plan calls for sending some of the more critical components of the NOAA-NWS operation over to private enterprise. Much of it will depend on the complex networks of data retrieval, both ground and space based. Where the line is drawn as to just how much of it is related to national security or public safety will have to be decided not with some summary executive order and the firing of hundreds of career employees, but through the eyes of the oversight committees in Congress.

     While the legislators are at it, they may want to recommend any future funding to government or private sectors comes with a contingency plan to address a possible flyover of conspiracy theorists out to modify the flow of information surrounding natural disasters.