Drought-plagued Arizona could see state-funded drones spraying microscopic silver iodide particles into mountain clouds to boost snowfall if proponents get their way. The state Legislature is considering allowing the use of money earmarked for boosting rural water supplies to pay for “cloud seeding” operations to increase precipitation in the state’s high country. But the proposal sponsored by Rep. Gail Griffin, R-Hereford, may have a tough road ahead. That’s because even some majority Republicans on the committee that heard her proposal expressed concern about the safety and efficacy of cloud seeding. It passed Griffin’s committee on Jan. 13 with a bare majority.

Other drought mitigation news:

• KJZZ (Phoenix): Coaxing water from air could stretch resources, ASU researcher says
• San Diego Union-Tribune: The region’s three sewage recycling systems, prompted by drought, will soon go online