Vermont Governor Phil Scott signed legislation today making Vermont the first state to ban paraquat, a widely used herbicide linked to Parkinson's disease and other serious health conditions. The Republican governor's signature followed passage by the Vermont Legislature with strong bipartisan backing.
Paraquat ranks among the most toxic herbicides currently in use across the United States. Scientific research has established connections between exposure to the chemical and development of Parkinson's disease, along with additional health harms to workers and communities near application sites. The Environmental Working Group, which tracks pesticide dangers, praised the action as protecting farmers, children, and all Vermont residents from exposure.
The move positions Vermont ahead of federal regulators. The Environmental Protection Agency has faced mounting pressure to restrict paraquat use nationally but has not implemented a ban despite growing evidence of health risks. Several states have considered similar restrictions, but Vermont now leads with the first statewide prohibition.
The legislation reflects shifting political dynamics around pesticide regulation. Environmental and public health advocates have long pushed for paraquat restrictions, citing occupational exposure risks for agricultural workers and contamination concerns. The bipartisan support in Vermont's Legislature signals that pesticide safety has transcended partisan divisions in at least one state.
Agricultural interests have historically resisted paraquat bans, citing its effectiveness as a herbicide and the costs of switching to alternatives. That Scott, a Republican governor, signed the measure despite these concerns demonstrates the strength of health and safety arguments in Vermont's political culture.
The ban takes effect on a timeline to be determined by state regulations, likely providing farmers transition time to adopt replacement herbicides. Vermont's action may accelerate similar efforts in other states and potentially influence federal EPA decision-making on paraquat, which remains approved for use nationally despite the health evidence that prompted this state-level prohibition.