Air Traffic Control Fully Certified
Situational Awareness
ATC Issue All Types; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance
Weather
I had an air carrier come over from low altitude; climb was stopped at FL260 for traffic. When they leveled at FL260 and informed me that the were getting continuous moderate turbulence I expedited their climb and climbed them to FL340. Approxametly 2-4 min later a 737 checked on climbing out of Denver and I turned them to enable a climb; they reported severe turbulence and couldn't maintain altitude so they descended. Shortly after the first air carrier to check in; now at approx FL320; they reported that they had severe turbulence in the climb from FL260-FL265.  I asked if they had any injuries reported and they said they would check. After I received 2 consecutive reports I told the supervisor on duty to shut off that one departure route. I was told that I can't do that because of the liability the government would incur. I then asked if we could have Denver Approach or Sector 6 put those aircraft on that departure procedure on a heading to avoid the area of severe turbulence. I was told I couldn't do that either because of the liability. I was told that no turns are allowed for turbulence.  The original air carrier reported they were having problems with their radios; and said that the turbulence was FL260-280. They did no notify me of any injuries. Recommendation; there is got to be a better way to allow us to turn planes around a known area of severe turbulence for at least a short time until the airlines and all sourrounding facilities have been notified.
ZDV Controller described an unsafe condition event when several air carriers were encountering severe turbulence but controller efforts to give exit clearances were not approved; reported due to government liability.