Dear state Sen. Winterton: My name is Scott Greenberg, and I am a constituent residing in Park City. I know how busy this legislative session is, so I want to sincerely thank you for taking the time to meet with our Park City Leadership Class earlier this week. I truly appreciated the opportunity t o hear directly from you and your colleagues. As someone who believes in factual, data-driven science, I was especially struck by a comment you made during your closing remarks regarding your sponsorship of SB 23, the Airborne Chemicals Amendments. I want to share my concerns thoughtfully and respectfully, because I understand that your role requires you to take seriously the issues being raised by constituents across Utah. At the same time, I worry that legislation rooted in the popular “chemtrail” narrative may unintentionally lend credibility to a claim that has been repeatedly examined and scientifically debunked. My concern is not about dismissing citizens who feel uneasy or distrustful, but rather about the risk that bills like S.B. 23 could undermine public trust in legitimate science and the institutions that rely on evidence-based reasoning. While lawmakers in many states have introduced bills aimed at prohibiting “geoengineering,” very few have advanced into law, and many appear driven less by established scientific realities than by misinformation that has gained traction online. In particular, a vocal minority has become convinced that commercial airplanes are dispersing toxic chemicals in the atmosphere for the purpose of weather or climate control. In this framework, ordinary jet contrails are recast as intentional “chemtrails.” The science here, however, is well understood. The Environmental Protection Agency and other scientific bodies have long explained that contrails are simply condensation trails — ice particles formed when hot aircraft exhaust meets cold, humid air. Under certain atmospheric conditions, these trails can persist, but they are not evidence of chemical spraying. Over the past two decades, the chemtrail belief system has increasingly merged with other conspiracy narratives involving radiation, 5G, vaccines and fears of government control. Researchers have noted that misinformation ecosystems tend to overlap and reinforce one another, particularly in an era when social media platforms reward sensationalism and distrust. I recognize that many people who believe these narratives are not acting out of bad faith. They are often responding to genuine anxieties about transparency, institutional trust, and rapid technological change. But I also believe it is important for elected leaders to distinguish between addressing public concern and validating claims that are not supported by evidence. For that reason, I respectfully ask that you reconsider continuing to sponsor SB 23, or at the very least take the time to consult with atmospheric scientists and independent experts before advancing legislation that may inadvertently reinforce a dangerous and unfounded myth. I would welcome the opportunity to engage in constructive dialogue with you or your staff, should that be helpful. My hope is that Utah can remain a place where policy decisions are grounded in sound science, critical thinking, and responsible public leadership. Thank you again for your time and for your service to our community. Scott Greenberg Park City The post Evidence needed in politics appeared first on Park Record. ...read more read less