Trump EPA targets two-man geoengineering startup for ‘polluting the air’

Tech Crunch - Apr 18th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

The startup Make Sunsets, founded by two Silicon Valley entrepreneurs, has drawn the attention of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its geoengineering practices. The company releases weather balloons filled with hydrogen gas and sulfur dioxide particles into the atmosphere. Upon reaching a high altitude, the balloons burst, scattering sulfur dioxide to reflect sunlight and potentially cool the Earth. Despite raising $750,000 from investors like Boost VC and Draper Associates, the founders' lack of scientific credentials raises concerns. The EPA is investigating due to sulfur dioxide being a regulated air pollutant, though Make Sunsets cites the Weather Modification Act of 1976 as a legal basis for its activities.

Geoengineering is a controversial solution to climate change, with proponents arguing that it is necessary given the slow reduction in carbon emissions. However, the potential side effects, such as altered weather patterns and health risks from sulfur dioxide, warrant caution. The inconsistency in regulatory scrutiny is evident as the EPA's investigation into Make Sunsets contrasts with its coal-supportive policies, which result in significantly higher sulfur dioxide emissions. The complexities of climate modification regulations highlight the need for clear legal frameworks to manage the emerging field of geoengineering responsibly.

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RATING

6.0
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article provides a timely and relevant exploration of geoengineering, focusing on the activities of the startup Make Sunsets and the regulatory response from the EPA. It effectively highlights the controversial nature of geoengineering and its potential impacts on climate policy and public health. While the article is generally clear and engaging, it would benefit from more precise sourcing and transparency regarding the basis for its claims, particularly around legal and scientific aspects. The story's balance could be improved by including a broader range of perspectives, especially from the scientific community. Despite these areas for improvement, the article successfully raises awareness of a complex and contentious issue, contributing to public discourse on innovative climate solutions.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The story presents several factual claims, such as the activities of the startup Make Sunsets and the involvement of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The claim that Make Sunsets is releasing weather balloons with sulfur dioxide to reflect sunlight aligns with known geoengineering concepts. However, the story lacks precise details about the scientific consensus on such practices and their potential side effects, which could affect its accuracy.

The article correctly identifies sulfur dioxide as a regulated pollutant and mentions the EPA's investigation, which is a verifiable fact. However, the claim about the Weather Modification Act of 1976 being applicable to Make Sunsets' activities is less clear and requires more legal context to verify its accuracy. The comparison of sulfur dioxide emissions from Make Sunsets' balloons versus U.S. power plants is factual but could benefit from more detailed context regarding the environmental impact.

Overall, while the story presents accurate information, it would benefit from more precise sourcing and context for certain claims, particularly around the legal and scientific aspects of geoengineering.

6
Balance

The article attempts to present a balanced view by discussing both the potential benefits and risks of geoengineering. It mentions arguments in favor of geoengineering as a last resort and the concerns about running uncontrolled climate experiments. However, the story leans slightly towards highlighting the controversial nature of Make Sunsets' activities without equally emphasizing the potential benefits or scientific support for geoengineering.

The perspectives of the startup and its investors are briefly mentioned, but the article could improve balance by including more voices from the scientific community or regulatory bodies. Additionally, the story could explore more on the global implications and ethical considerations of geoengineering, which are only touched upon.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear and easy to follow, with a logical structure that outlines the issue, the actions of Make Sunsets, and the response from the EPA. The language is straightforward, making complex topics like geoengineering accessible to a general audience.

However, some areas could be clearer, such as the legal implications of the Weather Modification Act and the scientific background of sulfur dioxide use. More detailed explanations in these areas would enhance understanding and provide a clearer picture of the issues at hand.

5
Source quality

The story lacks direct citations or references to authoritative sources, such as scientific studies or official statements from the EPA. While it mentions the involvement of the EPA and references the Weather Modification Act, it does not provide direct quotes or detailed sources that would enhance credibility.

The article also relies on general statements about the startup's funding and activities without attributing these to specific sources. Including interviews or statements from the founders of Make Sunsets, EPA officials, or climate scientists would improve the source quality and provide more depth to the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides some context about Make Sunsets and its activities but lacks transparency regarding the sources of its information and the methods used to gather it. The story does not explain how the information was obtained or whether there are any potential conflicts of interest, particularly regarding the startup's claims about legality under the Weather Modification Act.

Transparency would be improved by disclosing the basis for claims, such as the scientific rationale behind sulfur dioxide use and the legal interpretations of the Weather Modification Act. Additionally, the article could clarify whether it sought comments from relevant stakeholders, such as the EPA or Make Sunsets.

Sources

  1. https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-demands-answers-unregulated-geoengineering-start-launching-sulfur-dioxide-air
  2. https://insideclimatenews.org/news/18042025/epa-targets-sulfur-dioxide-balloons-startup/
  3. https://www.eenews.net/articles/epa-demands-info-from-solar-geoengineering-company/
  4. https://insideclimatenews.org/tags/sulfur-dioxide/
  5. https://www.utilitydive.com/news/trump-executive-order-eo-ferc-doe-epa-sunset-energy-regulation/745003/