Florida Lawmakers Propose Using Radioactive Material for Road Construction, Despite Horrific Risks. Republicans Refuse to Criticize
Lawmakers in Florida have passed a bill that would allow the use of phosphogypsum, a radioactive waste material produced by the fertilizer industry, in the construction of roads. However, conservation groups are urging Governor Ron DeSantis to veto the bill, citing concerns over potential harm to water quality and increased cancer risks for road construction workers. The Environmental Protection Agency, which regulates the use of phosphogypsum, has stated that any plan to use it in roads would require review and approval from the agency.
HB 1191 if signed into law by Governor Desantis, would require the state's transportation department to conduct a study on the use of phosphogypsum in road construction. The bill proposes "demonstration projects" to assess the feasibility of using phosphogypsum in paving material, alongside existing pavement aggregates such as crushed stone, gravel, and sand. The bill sets a deadline of April 1, 2024, for the transportation agency to complete the study and make a recommendation.
If approved, the use of phosphogypsum could become a new trend in using industrial byproducts and reclaimed materials in road construction. However, conservation groups are opposed to the use of phosphogypsum, citing concerns over potential harm to water quality and increased health risks for construction workers. The bill will now go to Governor Ron DeSantis for approval, and it remains to be seen whether he will sign it into law or veto it.
Phosphogypsum is a waste material from the fertilizer industry that contains significant amounts of uranium and its decay products, such as radium-226. The production process of fertilizer results in the concentration of waste material, causing phosphogypsum to be more radioactive than the original phosphate rock. The decay of radium-226 produces radon, which is a radioactive gas that can cause cancer. These concerns were noted by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Despite the possibility of radiocative material decaying unto countless Floridians, and likely delivering cancer to many more, Governor Desantis has at this time refused to condemn the bill nor anhy of those who have signed it into law. Despite this, Republicans have at large refused to condemn Desantis for his lack of action, nor for the bill being passed in general, despite Conservatives making up much of Floridas population, and the risks. The reasoning seems to be that a condemnation of Desantis would go against tribalistic group think, and that as a result, mass randomized innocent death is a far more desirable alternative outcome.