I’m not sure what to make of this. My first reaction is an obvious “wtf”, but maybe there’s more to this? Has this been done elsewhere in the US? Should our family get the hell out of Florida? I’m...
I’m not sure what to make of this. My first reaction is an obvious “wtf”, but maybe there’s more to this? Has this been done elsewhere in the US? Should our family get the hell out of Florida? I’m genuinely flummoxed.
It's not that big of a deal in practice. The bill just allows the Florida DoT to "experiment" with using the material for roads. Before it's actually used in a road, it'd need to be approved by...
It's not that big of a deal in practice. The bill just allows the Florida DoT to "experiment" with using the material for roads. Before it's actually used in a road, it'd need to be approved by the EPA. And if the EPA approves, I'd assume they found it's not a problem.
In a statement to CBS News on Friday, the EPA said that the passing of the legislation, HB 1191, "does not affect EPA's regulation of phosphogypsum," noting the legislation specifies that the phosphogypsum be used "in accordance with the conditions" of the agency.
"Any request for a specific use of phosphogypsum in roads will need to be submitted to EPA," the spokesperson said, "as EPA's approval is legally required before the material can be used in road construction."
...
"The feasibility study that the Florida Department of Transportation would create is only aimed at addressing whether this would be a suitable construction material," he said. "The Florida Department of Transportation is not in the position to make a finding about the health and safety of this product to Floridians and our environment."
the EPA, under the Trump administration, already approved it which the fertilizer industry lobbied for: and this press release from the EPA even includes a quote from said "fertilizer institute"...
Exemplary
Before it's actually used in a road, it'd need to be approved by the EPA.
approved a request from The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) to allow phosphogypsum to be used in government road construction projects.
and this press release from the EPA even includes a quote from said "fertilizer institute"
“TFI strongly supports and appreciates EPA’s science-based review and decision to allow the limited use of phosphogypsum, a by-product of phosphate fertilizer manufacturing. This decision strengthens the industry’s sustainability efforts and long term environmental stewardship,” said TFI President & CEO Corey Rosenbusch.
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.
it seems pretty clear that the effect of this will be to funnel public works & infrastructure money (especially for road construction / maintenance, for which there is a nearly-endless demand) to phosphate mining companies. what used to be a waste product has now been turned into a commodity that can be sold.
Phosphate rock mining is the fifth largest mining industry in the United States in terms of the amount of material mined. The phosphate industry is concentrated in the southeastern United States. About 90% of phosphate is mined in Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
The EPA agent quoted in the article seems to imply it's only allowed in very limited areas. Either way, if the EPA approves it, it is what it is. I'm wouldn't expect Florida to be stricter than...
The EPA agent quoted in the article seems to imply it's only allowed in very limited areas.
Because of this threat, the EPA has banned the use of phosphogypsum in projects for decades. However, a spokesperson for the agency previously told CBS News that it is permitted for agricultural and indoor research, with restrictions, and it can be approved for specific uses if the project "is at least as protective of human health as placement in a stack."
Either way, if the EPA approves it, it is what it is. I'm wouldn't expect Florida to be stricter than the federal regulations.
Maybe more reason not to vote for DeSantis, if you needed any more.
Think of it like this, when you are driving down the road your car, truck and especially big rigs throw off dust containing tire dust and asphalt, now add this crap. Yes, you should leave anyone...
Think of it like this, when you are driving down the road your car, truck and especially big rigs throw off dust containing tire dust and asphalt, now add this crap.
I’m not sure what to make of this. My first reaction is an obvious “wtf”, but maybe there’s more to this? Has this been done elsewhere in the US? Should our family get the hell out of Florida? I’m genuinely flummoxed.
You're living there?! I wouldn't go near it or Texas.
It's not that big of a deal in practice. The bill just allows the Florida DoT to "experiment" with using the material for roads. Before it's actually used in a road, it'd need to be approved by the EPA. And if the EPA approves, I'd assume they found it's not a problem.
...
the EPA, under the Trump administration, already approved it
which the fertilizer industry lobbied for:
and this press release from the EPA even includes a quote from said "fertilizer institute"
fertilizer companies also lobbied for this law in Florida:
it seems pretty clear that the effect of this will be to funnel public works & infrastructure money (especially for road construction / maintenance, for which there is a nearly-endless demand) to phosphate mining companies. what used to be a waste product has now been turned into a commodity that can be sold.
coincidentally, lots of phosphate mining is located in Florida, making those mining companies constituents of Desantis:
The EPA agent quoted in the article seems to imply it's only allowed in very limited areas.
Either way, if the EPA approves it, it is what it is. I'm wouldn't expect Florida to be stricter than the federal regulations.
Maybe more reason not to vote for DeSantis, if you needed any more.
Think of it like this, when you are driving down the road your car, truck and especially big rigs throw off dust containing tire dust and asphalt, now add this crap.
Yes, you should leave anyone sane should leave.
The fact meatball ron signed this into law surprises me not.
Hopefully the EPA shuts this down hard.
I’m here from Reddit.
Is the /theOnion or /nottheOnion