As a concerned resident of Florida, I am urging Governor DeSantis to repeal House Bill 1191, which allows the use of phosphogypsum in road construction. This dangerous practice poses a significant threat to public health due to the potentially cancer-causing properties of phosphogypsum.

My mom was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2021 and after seeing the pain and impact it had on her body, I wouldn't wish that on anyone. Lung cancer is the second most common cancer in men and women in the U.S. but sadly it is typically not diagnosed until stage 3 or 4 and is often associated only with smoking cigarettes, despite it being on the rise in people who have never smoked. Hazardous chemicals and air pollution contribute to lung cancer, so the last thing we need is more pollution.

Allowing roads constructed with phosphogypsum, which emits radon gas—a known carcinogen—is a grave mistake that puts countless lives at risk.

According to data from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon gas is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in our country. Shockingly, approximately 21,000 Americans lose their lives every year due to this deadly gas alone.

We cannot ignore these alarming statistics. By repealing House Bill 1191 and prohibiting the use of phosphogypsum in road construction, we can take a significant step towards safeguarding our communities from unnecessary exposure to harmful substances like radon.

Furthermore, it is essential for us all as Floridians to recognize that our state already faces numerous environmental challenges. From rising sea levels threatening coastal areas to toxic algae blooms plaguing our waterways—our environment needs protection now more than ever.

By continuing down this path and allowing roads made with phosphogypsum, we are further contributing to air pollution and exacerbating the risk of lung cancer for our residents. This is not the legacy we want to leave behind for future generations.

Sign this petition today and join me in urging Governor DeSantis to take immediate action to reverse his decision on House Bill 1191 and repeal it.

Governor DeSantis, I implore you to prioritize the health and well-being of Floridians by repealing House Bill 1191. Let us stand together in protecting our communities from unnecessary exposure to cancer-causing substances. Your wife had breast cancer, so you know how cancer can impact a family. Please think of her when you make decisions that could increase the risk of cancer for Floridians. Together, we can ensure a safer and healthier future for all.

Read more:
In the news
Letter from 20+ conservation groups to Gov. DeSantis
Press release from Center for Biological Diversity about urging DeSantis to veto the bill
HB 1191 text