The legislative assembly finds that weather modification affects the public health, safety, and welfare, and that, properly conducted, weather modification operations can improve water quality and quantity, reduce losses from weather hazards, and provide economic benefits for the people of the state. Therefore, in the public interest, weather modification shall be subject to regulation and control, and research and development shall be encouraged. To minimize possible adverse effects, weather modification operations shall be carried on with proper safeguards, and accurate information shall be recorded concerning such operations and the benefits obtained therefrom by the people of the state.