Representatives Maxwell Frost (D-FL) and Sheila Cherfilus McCormick (D-FL) have reintroduced a bill banning the use of radioactive materials in road construction.
Specifically, the No Radioactive Roads Act targets the use of phosphogypsum (PG), a byproduct of phosphate ore processing to produce phosphoric acid. The substance contains radium that decays into radon gas. Thus, because it is radioactive, it is usually stored in engineered stacks to prevent exposure.
However, in 2021, 200 million gallons of wastewater were discharged into Tampa Bay from a tear that caused a red tide outbreak. Additionally, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill in 2023 enabling the use of PG in road construction.
"As Florida allows for PG to be used in our roads, endangering our workers, drivers, and entire communities, we need immediate federal action that puts public health over corporate profits," said Rep. Frost in his press release, adding, "The science is abundantly clear—PG is a deadly, cancer-causing substance that harms our environment and puts lives at risk, and no administration should be able to permit its use without the highest safety standards. It's unacceptable that the fertilizer industry is looking to offload toxic waste into our roads in order to boost their profits while leaders like DeSantis and Donald Trump enable it. The No Radioactive Roads Act puts our people, our planet, and our future over the profits of corporate polluters."
Similarly, Rep. Cherfilus McCormick said, "Protecting the health and safety of our communities must be our top priority. Using radioactive materials like phosphogypsum in road construction endangers our families, harms our environment, and puts our future at risk."
"The No Radioactive Roads Act is a crucial step in preventing communities from facing the long-term dangers of toxic exposure. I am proud to partner with Congressman Maxwell Frost on this legislation to protect the well-being of every Floridian," Rep. Cherfilus McCormick continued.
Last May, Rep. Frost introduced a similar bill that mandates the phasing out of bleed air systems in commercial aircraft, which are susceptible to "fume events" in which jet fuel leaks into the system, exposing passengers and crew to toxic substances.
