Texas Official Shuts Down Flood Conspiracy Theories After Storms

As everyone continues to recoil from the flooding tragedy that affected much of Texas during the first week of July, some officials are speaking out on potential conspiracy theories surrounding what caused the flash floods.

Commissioner Miller Says to Stop Lying

Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller released a statement denying claims that the flooding was somehow man-made.

There has been a lot of misinformation flying around lately, so let me clarify: the Texas Department of Agriculture has absolutely no connection to cloud seeding or any form of weather modification.

Commissioner Miller's response was a result of a trend that gained traction claiming that the flooding was somehow man-made and was pushed by prominent names in Texas. One in particular was from Michael Meyer, founder of an anti-government group called Veterans on Patrol.

Meyer alleged that the massive floodwaters were caused by a "weather weapon," and had no ties to climate or nature.

What is Cloud Seeding?

One allegation from certain conspiracy theories that Commissioner Miller addressed involves something called cloud seeding. This is a weather modification technique that is used to improve a cloud's ability to produce rain.

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It works by introducing small ice particles into certain types of clouds above a certain area. This then causes the cloud to build a base for snowflakes which, after quickly growing and falling, can produce rain.

Further Remarks from Ag Commissioner

Commissioner Miller went on to say that weather modification is not something the department has any authority to be a part of, according to Senate Bill 1303 signed back in 2011.

"As an eighth-generation farmer and rancher," Miller wrote, "I know what it's like to watch the sky during a drought, hoping for rain." He added that he turns to his faith and prays during these times instead of depending on artificial weather manipulation.

Commissioner Miller ended with a call to action asking all Texans to put an end to the conspiracy theories and to stop assigning blame on others. Our sole priority should be helping and supporting those impacted by the devastating floods.