Vote puts state on brink of becoming first-in-nation to prohibit toxic herbicide
Vermont Business Magazine Today, the Vermont Senate gave its initial approval to H.739, landmark legislation to ban the toxic pesticide paraquat, which is linked to Parkinson’s disease. The bill must still be reconciled with a House-passed version of the legislation before it can go to Governor Phil Scott for his consideration. Health and environmental advocates celebrated the vote and now urge its enactment to protect farmworkers, rural communities, and Vermont families.
Only about 15% of people with Parkinson’s disease have a family history of the condition, meaning most cases are likely influenced by environmental factors — including exposure to paraquat. In recent testimony, Dr. James Boyd, a neurologist with UVM Medical Center, underscored that chronic exposure to paraquat can significantly increase a person’s risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
A recent UCLA study further found that people living within 500 meters of fields sprayed with paraquat over time more than double their risk of developing Parkinson’s disease compared to others in the region.
“With today’s vote, Vermont is on the verge of making history by becoming the first state to ban paraquat,” said Geoff Horsfield, legislative director at Environmental Working Group (EWG). “Lawmakers in both chambers have recognized the urgent need to protect public health. The House should act swiftly to send this bill to the governor’s desk.”
Despite the fact that more than 70 countries have banned the use of paraquat – including China, which manufactures and exports the pesticide – the U.S. government has yet to take action.
“Democratic and Republican lawmakers alike have made clear that safeguarding farmers, rural communities and children must take precedence over continued use of one of the most hazardous pesticides still on the market,” Horsfield added.
“Vermont is taking the lead by responding to the growing scientific consensus that exposure to paraquat increases the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease,” said Zach Hardy, senior state government relations manager for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. “We commend the Legislature for their thorough deliberations on this important public health bill and urge the Governor to swiftly sign it into law once it reaches his desk. Vermonters will be safer without the continued use of paraquat in the state.” Deborah Swerdlow, associate vice president of advocacy and state policy
for the Parkinson’s Foundation shared, " The Parkinson’s Foundation commends the Vermont Legislature for taking a critical step toward becoming the first state in the nation to pass legislation to ban paraquat. Research has shown a strong link between exposure to paraquat and an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. The Foundation urges swift delivery of the bill to Governor Scott and calls on him to sign it into law—helping move us closer to a future where fewer people develop Parkinson’s disease in the first place.”
Public support for taking action on paraquat is strong. A statewide survey of 455 likely Vermont voters, conducted by Data for Progress from March 3–8, found that 77% support banning paraquat in Vermont after learning basic facts about the pesticide, while only 14% oppose it.
“Understandably, Vermonters want to see an end to the use of this extraordinarily toxic pesticide on apple orchards and strawberry fields in our state,” said Anna Seuberling, environmental advocate with the Vermont Public Interest Research Group (VPIRG).
“Vermont has a long tradition of protecting public health and supporting sustainable agriculture, and the Senate’s strong support for eliminating the use of toxic paraquat on Vermont farms contributes to that important legacy.”
About Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive, incurable neurological disorder and the fastest-growing brain disease in the world. Early symptoms can include difficulty walking, depression, and cognitive decline, and the disease worsens over time.
5.6.2026. Montpelier, VT — VPIRG
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