Statement from Phillip C. Parrish, Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
Fellow Minnesotans,
We stand at a crossroads where the plausible harm caused by weather modification technologies can no longer be ignored. The complexities of these technologies, combined with the alarming lack of comprehensive studies and empirical evidence, create a scenario where the potential for harm is not just theoretical—it is a pressing reality. As your candidate for Governor, I am committed to confronting this issue head-on, ensuring that Minnesota protects its people and environment from the dangers posed by these untested and unregulated practices.
The facts are undeniable. Weather modification is not a conspiracy theory; it is a documented agenda pursued by identifiable persons and companies. Patents held by Harvey M. Brandau and David B. Chang, among others, reveal technologies designed to alter our atmosphere. Companies like Weather Modification, Inc., and North American Weather Consultants actively engage in cloud seeding, regulated under laws like the National Weather Modification Policy Act of 1976 and the Texas Weather Modification Act. Yet, despite this activity, the evidence of harm is mounting.
Consider the 2003 National Research Council report, which warns of bioaccumulation of silver iodide in aquatic ecosystems, exceeding health standards in areas with repeated exposure. This chemical, used in cloud seeding, poses a direct threat to our lakes and rivers—the lifeblood of Minnesota. The 2020 World Health Organization study on atmospheric aerosol injections highlights potential respiratory issues from these chemicals, a risk that could harm our citizens, especially those with pre-existing conditions.
The harm extends beyond chemicals. The 2010 study by Alan Robock et al. on unintended climate feedbacks from geoengineering techniques like solar radiation management suggests changes in monsoon patterns and ozone depletion—global risks with local consequences. The 2023 University of Wyoming study on downwind precipitation reductions indicates that cloud seeding in one area can exacerbate droughts or floods elsewhere, potentially turning natural disasters into man-made catastrophes.
These technologies are not benign. They are causing harm, and the lack of empirical evidence only amplifies the risk. The 2018 Indian Council of Agricultural Research findings on crop yield reductions due to altered rainfall patterns are a stark reminder that our food security is at stake. The 2024 Scripps Institution study on ocean acidification risks from carbon dioxide removal efforts underscores the broader environmental harm that could follow.
Yet, despite this evidence, bad actors—government officials, corporate executives, and others who profit from this industry—employ information warfare tactics to silence the truth. Figures like David Keith at Harvard and Alan Robock have raised alarms, but their voices are drowned out by disinformation campaigns. Entities like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and IBM, with historical ties to weather modification research, benefit from secrecy and misinformation. They label us conspiracy theorists, discredit our concerns, and bury the truth under a mountain of noise.
This is not acceptable. The plausible harm caused by these technologies demands our immediate action. As Governor, I will demand a halt to unstudied and unregulated weather modification activities within Minnesota until we have the evidence we need. I will call for increased funding for research to understand the full extent of the harm. I will ensure transparency from companies like Weather Modification, Inc., and North American Weather Consultants, holding them accountable for their actions. And I will protect our environment and our health from the risks posed by these technologies.
The time for ignoring the harm is over. The time for action is now. Minnesota deserves a Governor who will prioritize the safety and well-being of its people over the profits of a few. I am that Governor.
Thank you.
Phillip C. Parrish
Candidate for Governor of Minnesota 2026
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