No Radioactive Roads Act of 2024
If enacted, HB 10304 will reinforce and clarify existing prohibitions on the use of phosphogypsum as a road-building material by the EPA. The bill mandates that any approval for the use of phosphogypsum be based on an individual risk assessment that limits cancer risk to a maximum of 9.1 in 100,000. This will potentially lead to more comprehensive monitoring of pollution and health risks, enhancing public health protections against harmful exposure to radioactive materials. The legislation calls for detailed evaluations of both surface and groundwater exposures, monitoring protocols, and transparency in decision-making processes regarding the use of phosphogypsum.
House Bill 10304, also known as the No Radioactive Roads Act of 2024, aims to prohibit the use of phosphogypsum in road construction due to its radioactive properties, specifically uranium and radium. The bill finds that since 1992, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has restricted the use of phosphogypsum, citing unacceptable risks to public health, particularly the risk of cancer among workers and the general public due to contamination of water sources and the air. This legislation directs the EPA to revise its regulations regarding phosphogypsum, ensuring that any requests for its use must undergo stringent safety assessments.
The discussions surrounding HB 10304 highlight significant concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of allowing phosphogypsum in construction-related activities. Proponents of the bill argue that protecting public health against the dangers posed by radioactive materials should be a priority, especially given the known risks of cancer associated with exposure. Conversely, there may be economic implications for industries relying on phosphogypsum, arguing against the stringent restrictions imposed by the bill. This reflects a broader tension between public health priorities and economic interests in environmental regulation, particularly regarding materials with potential health hazards.