12/21: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

New York Times: EPA pushes farmers to use coal waste on fields

A synthetic gypsum created as a waste product from coal-fired power plants is being pushed by the EPA as a field enhancer - as a fertilizer and soil loosener. The EPA says the synthetic gypsum, which contains mercury, arsenic, lead and other heavy metals, has levels of toxins too low to cause any threat to crops, surface water or humans.

However, some environmentalists say not enough is known about how the material, called flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FGD gypsum), affects crops and human health.

Currently, FGD gypsum is widely used in the South as a less expensive alternative to mined gypsum, said Glen Harris, a soil scientist at the University of Georgia's Tifton campus. Farmers in states such as Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas have long spread mined gypsum on their fields, where its calcium spurs the growth of peanuts.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Alabama Education Association opposes State BOE's charter school push

ARKANSAS: Sen. Lincoln says health care reform bill would cover more than 400,000 uninsured residents

FLORIDA: South Florida seniors concerned about proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage

GEORGIA: New state mental health agency now must cut budget, programs

KENTUCKY: Many in Eastern Kentucky without power following winter storm

LOUISIANA: Health care debate shows Louisiana politicians have much at stake

MISSISSIPPI: Opinion: Task force: Best way of improving state's quality of life is education

NORTH CAROLINA: New landfill gas-to-energy plant opens in Durham

SOUTH CAROLINA: Jobless rate in S.C. reaches new high of 12.3%

TENNESSEE: Control of Congress may be in Tennessee's hands

VIRGINIA: Rep. Scott's Prison Reform Act aims to change cruel prison conditions

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org

Obama keeps to Bush's strict immigration policy

New York Times: Obama administration continues firm Bush policy on illegal immigrants

Despite early pledges by President Obama to moderate the tough Bush policy on illegal immigrants, the Obama administration is pursuing an aggressive strategy for an illegal immigration crackdown. Many Hispanic Obama supporters are antagonized by this, and ae openly protesting the national campaign.

The administration recently undertook audits of employee paperwork at hundreds of businesses, expanded a program to verify worker immigration status that has been widely criticized as flawed, bolstered a program of cooperation between federal and local law enforcement agencies, and rejected proposals for legally binding rules governing conditions in immigration detention centers.

“We are expanding enforcement, but I think in the right way,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in an interview.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Artur Davis unveils school dropout plan

ARKANSAS: Schools prepare for spread of H1N1 virus

FLORIDA: GOP trying to convince Lou Holtz to run for congress in central part of state

GEORGIA: GOP governors' relationship strained by water wars

KENTUCKY: State's largest e-medical records implementation plan underway

LOUISIANA: Rep. Alexander calls for ban on tax hikes for guns, ammo

MISSISSIPPI: State GOP launches voter ID campaign

NORTH CAROLINA: Six months in, Gov. Bev Perdue ranks as one of most unpopular governors

SOUTH CAROLINA: 20% in the state lack health insurance

TENNESSEE: Poll shows more Tennesseans leaning toward Democratic party

VIRGINIA: Star-Exponent: Editorial: Two ideas for legislators to consider
"Commercializing highway rest areas and privatizing liquor stores (are) worth considering if (they) will generate revenue for the state."

If you have a news story about public policy to suggest, send an email to info@bettersouth.org