Subcommittee advances paraquat phase‑out bill after hours of testimony; opponents warn of farmer impacts

Delegate Dahlia Clark introduced HB 13‑75 to phase out the pesticide paraquat, arguing the chemical is "extremely toxic" and has been repeatedly linked in studies to Parkinson’s disease. "HB 13‑75 says plainly, no one should face a lifelong neurological disease simply because they work or are where they live," Clark said, and described a phaseout that allows retailers to sell through existing inventory and provides transition time for farmers.

Health and advocacy witnesses testified in support. Scott Faber of the Environmental Working Group said paraquat is so toxic "that it cannot be used by farmers in more than 70 nations, including China," and noted studies linking exposure to Parkinson’s and recent findings that paraquat can volatilize. Witnesses from the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's advocacy groups and affected individuals gave personal testimony about disease burden and urged a ban.

Agribusiness groups, farm organizations and industry witnesses opposed the bill, citing the federal regulatory framework under FIFRA and EPA reviews. Trey Davis of the Virginia Agribusiness Council said paraquat is a widely used contact herbicide and is restricted to certified applicators with paraquat‑specific training; Jack Taber of the Virginia Farm Bureau noted EPA's 2024 review concluded the weight of evidence was insufficient to link paraquat use to Parkinson’s disease and cited limited documented drift complaints.

Witnesses from EPA‑related regulatory backgrounds described the cooperative federal‑state regulatory processes and warned of disrupting that framework. Industry representatives said losing paraquat would complicate herbicide resistance management, raise costs, and require use of multiple alternative products.

Committee members debated the science, application practices and economic impacts. The subcommittee adopted a friendly amendment offered by a member to delay the prohibition on sale/distribution to July 2027 and the prohibition on use to July 2028 to allow transition time. After debate, the roll call recorded the bill reported as amended by a vote of 5 to 4.

The committee record shows a closely divided panel after a lengthy hearing that featured detailed scientific claims and personal testimony from people living with Parkinson’s disease; the subcommittee’s recommendation advances HB 13‑75 to the next House stage.