For Big Sugar, it was party time.
Last Thursday lobbyists for the powerful sugarcane industry were seen having lunch at the swanky Governor's Club in Tallahassee, popping champagne and exchanging high-fives to celebrate the passage of Senate Bill 88 in the Florida House and Senate.
The bill effectively protects Big Sugar — namely U.S. Sugar and Florida Crystals — from legal action related to its harmful impacts, including sugarcane burning, which is linked to long-term health problems. Though smoke from the burning cane fields can travel for upwards of 20 miles, SB 88 stipulates that only those who live within half a mile of the agricultural operation could challenge its harmful impact on property values in court.
No wonder the sugar lobbyists were celebrating.
But if Gov. Ron DeSantis vetoes the legislation, the party’s over.
We need your help.
You can join us in requesting a veto of Senate Bill 88 — a bill that could ultimately insulate the sugar industry from the harm it causes and might cause in the future. Use the button below to send a pre-formatted letter to Gov. DeSantis today.
