TALLAHASSEE, Florida — The state House on Thursday passed and sent to the Senate a bill that would protect the phosphate industry from strict liability in lawsuits over formerly mined land.
Details: The bill would make it easier for the phosphate giant Mosaic and other mine owners to sell thousands of acres of their land for developments. State Rep. Lawrence McClure (R-Dover) on Thursday told the House the bill, which last year failed to pass both chambers, had been rewritten to find a “middle ground.”
Democrats argued the legislation could leave future residents of phosphate mined lands without a legal recourse if they suffer from radon gas contamination or find they can’t use portions of their property.
“I believe this bill will have the unintended consequence of putting future families at risk, particularly those in our renting community,” state Rep. Lindsay Cross (D-St. Petersburg) said during floor debate.
