The same week investigative reporting unveiled serious concerns about the continued operation of Cargill Salt Mine under Cayuga Lake in Lansing, Governor Kathy Hochul signed a bill strengthening New York’s salt mines.
Cargill, which is one of the largest companies in the U.S. had its mining operation called into question last week after geologists and experts raised concerns about the integrity of those mines. Many said that it was a matter of ‘when’ not ‘if’ the salt mines more than 2,000 feet under Cayuga Lake failed, risking lives and property around the region.
That aside, the Buy American Salt Act will encourage the state’s public agencies and authorities that use rock salt or sodium chloride to purchase it mined in the U.S.
The act lets local governments buy rock salt mined in America by going above the lowest bidder if the salt is imported from another country.
The state said the rock salt provided by New York companies provides good-paying jobs and adds an estimated $3.000 in tax revenue for every ton of salt purchased.
“With the Buy American Salt Act, we are helping State and local governments purchase salt that comes from mines based in the United States – some right here in New York,” Hochul said in a statement. “This is an important step to support good-paying jobs in our upstate communities while growing New York’s economy.”
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