Google planning to release millions of mosquitoes into California to help stop diseases

California could soon become a testing ground for one of Google’s most ambitious public health projects yet.

The tech giant is seeking federal approval to release up to 32 million specially treated mosquitoes in California and Florida over the next two years as part of an effort to reduce the spread of mosquito-borne diseases, including West Nile virus, St. Louis encephalitis, dengue, Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever.

The proposal is currently under review by the US Environmental Protection Agency, which is accepting public comments through June 5 before deciding whether to issue an experimental use permit. 

Regulators have not announced where any mosquito releases would occur if the plan is approved.