Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

Zorro

(16,295 posts)
Fri Jun 30, 2023, 10:56 AM Jun 2023

DeSantis signs controversial 'radioactive roads' bill lobbied by fertilizer giant Mosaic

Mosaic supported the bill — and hosted a $25,000 fundraiser for its sponsor.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis on Thursday signed a bill that will allow the Florida Department of Transportation to study the use of phosphogypsum, a mildly radioactive byproduct of the phosphate manufacturing process, in road construction.

The measure — dubbed the “radioactive roads” bill by critics — was lobbied by Tampa-based Fortune 500 fertilizer company Mosaic, which would benefit from selling its byproduct and last month hosted and paid nearly $25,000 for a fundraising event for the state lawmaker who sponsored the controversial bill.

Records reviewed by the Tampa Bay Times show Mosaic is already seeking approval from federal environmental regulators to begin testing phosphogypsum in a roadway at its New Wales facility. Depending on the results of the state’s study and federal approval, the bill could pave the way — literally — for phosphogypsum use in American roads for the first time in years.

Phosphogypsum contains radium-226, which emits radiation during its decay to form radon, a potentially cancer-causing, radioactive gas, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

https://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/2023/06/29/desantis-signs-controversial-radioactive-roads-bill-lobbied-by-fertilizer-giant-mosaic/

On the bright side, it should help melt the winter snow off Florida roads...
4 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
DeSantis signs controversial 'radioactive roads' bill lobbied by fertilizer giant Mosaic (Original Post) Zorro Jun 2023 OP
And maybe these roads will glow in the dark so... 3catwoman3 Jun 2023 #1
Mutant alligators and pythons will be along shortly EYESORE 9001 Jun 2023 #2
Mini Moussealini strikes again! GreenWave Jun 2023 #3
RhonD will sign anything his donor lobbyist put in front of him...uff..nt mitch96 Jul 2023 #4
Latest Discussions»Region Forums»Florida»DeSantis signs controvers...