Montpelier, VT — Vermont Gov. Phil Scott (R) has signed legislation banning paraquat, a controversial herbicide that has been tied to an increased risk of Parkinson’s disease among agricultural workers.
Scott’s signature on H. 739 cements Vermont as the first state to do so. Effective Nov. 1, the new law prohibits the use or sale of paraquat after 2030 and requires a permit from state agricultural officials before that.
Paraquat is a restricted-use substance applied annually for weed control and as a defoliant on certain crops before harvest. A 2011 study found that workers who are exposed to paraquat have more than double the risk of developing Parkinson’s.
Rep. Esme Cole (D-Windsor) sponsored the bill, which had 17 co-sponsors. That included Rep. Michelle Bos-Lun (D-Windham), who spoke during a May 13 House Agriculture, Food Resiliency and Forestry Committee hearing.
“I think our job is to support farmers and to support all Vermonters,” Bos-Lun said, “and my belief is that paraquat is causing harm to both.”
In a press release, the nonprofit Environmental Working Group applauds Scott and state lawmakers.
“With Vermont leading the way, states across the country now have a clear path to end the use of one of the most toxic herbicides still on the market,” EWG Legislative Director Geoff Horsfield said in the release. “This is a turning point in the effort to protect public health from a chemical that has been tied to devastating neurological harm.”
EWG research shows that, as of February, 13 states (including Vermont) were considering bills proposing various paraquat bans. The organization adds that at least 70 countries prohibit paraquat. Among them: China, France, Germany and the United Kingdom.
The Environmental Protection Agency in 2021 reapproved paraquat use in limited aerial applications. Numerous legal challenges followed.
Previously, EPA pointed to an updated 2020 study that it contends “did not replicate the findings” from 2011.
In a Jan. 9 post to X, EPA administrator Lee Zeldin said that the agency will “freshly reassess the safety of paraquat” moving forward.
“When accurate new studies reveal additional risk, we will be in a stronger position both scientifically and legally to tighten protections, require tougher rules and limit uses as needed to protect workers, neighbors and communities,” Zeldin added. “When accurate studies do not show additional risk, communities can have greater confidence that the protections already in place are working as intended.”
He continued: “EPA is requiring paraquat manufacturers to thoroughly prove that current uses are safe in real-world conditions. If they cannot meet that standard, decisive action will certainly follow.”
