Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Paraquat Ban topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee advances bill to ban paraquat, sponsors cite Parkinson’s risks
Summary
HB 1135, proposed to prohibit the pesticide paraquat in Pennsylvania, passed the committee after debate in which the sponsor cited links to Parkinson’s disease and members discussed agricultural impacts and stakeholder engagement.
House Bill 1135, which would prohibit the agricultural pesticide paraquat in Pennsylvania, was advanced by the committee following sponsor remarks and member discussion.
Mr. Scott summarized the bill as prohibiting paraquat. Representative Mihalik, the sponsor, urged passage by citing scientific research and advocacy from Parkinson’s organizations and said Pennsylvania would be the second state after Vermont to enact such a ban. “We have a known harm and a toxic chemical, and that’s why we need to act today,” Mihalik said, framing the measure as a public-health action.
Chairman Metzger described himself as a “reluctant supporter,” acknowledging agricultural concerns and saying he wanted to balance farmer needs and public safety; he encouraged the sponsor to work with the agriculture community as the bill proceeds to the floor. Other members thanked sponsors and allies who helped advance awareness of harms linked to paraquat.
After discussion and acknowledgement of stakeholder concerns, the committee recorded no negative votes on the bill in the transcript and approved HB 1135.
