DeSantis approves bill for radioactive waste in road building.
Florida Governor Signs Bill Allowing Radioactive Material in Road Construction
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) made headlines on Thursday as he signed a bill that could potentially allow the use of phosphogypsum, a radioactive material, in road construction. This controversial legislation adds the radioactive waste to a list of “recyclable materials” that can be tested for construction suitability.
The Department of Transportation now has the authority to conduct a study evaluating the suitability of using phosphogypsum as a construction aggregate material.
This move by Governor DeSantis has sparked both support and concern. Proponents argue that phosphogypsum can join other pavement aggregates like stone, gravel, and sand, as well as other industrial byproducts and reclaimed materials used in construction. The Federal Highway Administration already permits the use of materials such as rubber from car tires, waste glass, reclaimed concrete, and asphalt pavement.
However, critics point out that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has regulated phosphogypsum waste since 1989 due to its radioactive elements, including uranium, thorium, and radium. The EPA has banned most uses of phosphogypsum waste unless it has very low levels of radioactivity.
Environmental Concerns and Opposition
More than 20 conservation organizations have voiced their opposition to the bill, urging Governor DeSantis to veto it. They highlight the potential environmental risks and threats to road construction workers and public health. The Center for Biological Diversity specifically raises concerns about the Department of Transportation’s unreasonably short deadline to conduct feasibility tests.
According to the organization, allowing radioactive phosphogypsum in construction would relieve the fertilizer industry of responsibly disposing of millions of tons of dangerous waste while creating another revenue stream for industry giants.
The bill will officially take effect on July 1, and the transportation department has until April 1, 2024, to determine the suitability of using phosphogypsum as a construction material, as outlined in the legislation.
As of Thursday evening, Governor DeSantis has not made a public statement regarding the passage of the bill. The Washington Examiner has reached out to his team for comment.
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