Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 1/23/20

Runoff from agricultural chemicals has been a growing source of environmental problems in recent years. Fertilizer byproducts can contaminate drinking water sources and pollute rivers and lakes, causing hazards like toxic algae blooms and marine dead zones. The chemical compounds also seep into the atmosphere as a potent greenhouse gas, the Center for Public Integrity reports in partnership with Grist and The World.

Environmentalists have been warning for years about the impact of unchecked fertilizer use, even though it's seen as a smaller problem than carbon emissions. Researchers say deep cuts to nitrogen runoff and emissions are critical to avoid more extreme consequences — but it's tricky to address because of nitrogen's key role in food production.

Regulators have been slow to take meaningful action to control fertilizer use. State authorities typically favor voluntary limits and recommendations over strict rules and enforcement. And when states do try to crack down, those efforts are often stymied by the ag industry and its political allies.

To read the report, click here.