In a victory for public health, today a bill to ban the use of the highly toxic herbicide paraquat in Pennsylvania moved one step closer to becoming law.
The Pennsylvania House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee voted to advance the bill, which would rid the state of a chemical linked to Parkinson’s disease and other harms.
H.B. 1135 would amend the Pennsylvania Pesticide Control Act of 1973 to ban all uses of paraquat across the commonwealth, one year after enactment. It was introduced last year by state Reps. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) and Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester County).
The committee action moves Pennsylvania significantly closer to becoming the second state in the nation, after Vermont, to enact a statewide ban on paraquat.
If the Pennsylvania General Assembly approves the bill and Gov. Josh Shapiro signs it, the state would become another national leader in protecting farmworkers, rural communities and families from exposure to one of the most dangerous pesticides still used in U.S. agriculture.
“Today’s vote is an important step toward an end to the use of a chemical that poses unacceptable risks to human health,” said Environmental Working Group Legislative Director Geoff Horsfield.
“Pennsylvania lawmakers are recognizing what dozens of countries around the world already have: Paraquat is too dangerous to continue using when safer alternatives are available.
“We are grateful to our bill champions and supporters,” said Horsfield, who also thanked House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Chair Danilo Burgos and Republican Chair Carl Walker Metzgar.
In February, companion legislation was introduced in the state Senate by Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Nick Miller (D-14).
Banned around the world
Paraquat is among the most acutely toxic herbicides on the market. More than 70 states, including China, have banned its use – but it’s still allowed in the U.S.
The Pennsylvania bill’s advancement follows months of advocacy by health experts, environmental organizations and individuals living with Parkinson’s disease who have urged state lawmakers to take action.
“Farmworkers and agricultural communities deserve protection from chemicals known to threaten their long-term health,” said Horsfield.
“By moving this legislation forward, Pennsylvania lawmakers are sending a clear message that public health must come before the interests of pesticide manufacturers,” he added.
EWG and other advocates are now calling on legislative leaders to bring the measure to a vote in both chambers and urging Shapiro to sign it if it reaches his desk.
“This vote demonstrates growing momentum nationwide to phase out paraquat and transition to safer alternatives,” Horsfield said. “Pennsylvania has an opportunity to protect current and future generations from a toxic chemical that has no place in U.S. agriculture.”
Several other states have introduced bills to ban paraquat, and California is considering new regulatory restrictions. These efforts are clear signs of escalating concern over the chemical’s well-documented health risks.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
