DEP Secretary Valenstein Resigns; Says He Will Continue To Work In Environmental Community patch.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from patch.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
For Immediate Release, May 27, 2021
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Florida Billboard Launched to Raise Awareness of Radioactive Toxic Waste
10X36-Foot Billboard Defines Phosphogypsum
ARCADIA,
Fla. A new billboard message highlighting the risks phosphate mining and phosphogypsum pose to communities, water and the environment has been installed along State Route 70 in DeSoto County. The 36-foot-wide billboard directs motorists to www.RadioactiveFlorida.org.
The billboard, commissioned by the Center for Biological Diversity, is located near the proposed site of a 14,000-acre phosphate mine. It aims to raise awareness about the dangers of phosphogypsum, the radioactive waste from phosphate mining and fertilizer production.
“The Piney Point disaster was a wake-up call for Florida. We have an out-of-control problem with phosphate mining and phosphogypsum,” said Jaclyn Lopez, Florida director at the Center. “With the sprawling mine proposed in DeSoto County and the planne
Florida seen from space at night. Photo by NASA Earth Observatory
Noah Valenstein, secretary of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, announced his resignation Thursday, effective on Friday, June 4.
Gov. Ron DeSantis’ office acknowledged late Thursday Valenstein submitted his letter of resignation on May 8 but did not make it public until he notified department employees earlier Thursday.
He has worked at DEP since the administration of former Gov. Rick Scott and has served as secretary since 2017.
Noah Valenstein, Secretary of the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. Credit: DEP
Valenstein wrote in a letter he addressed to his “team” Thursday that Shawn Hamilton will succeed him as interim secretary of the department. Hamilton is deputy secretary over the Division of Land and Recreation, which manages state parks and the Florida Forever land-conservation program. Hamilton has been with DEP for 13 years.
Florida s top environmental official, Noah Valenstein, is resigning msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.