Committee carries over Paraquat prohibition after heated debate on health and supply‑chain risks

The House Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources Committee on Monday considered HB 1375, a measure to prohibit manufacture, distribution and use of the herbicide Paraquat in the Commonwealth. After extended debate that included public‑policy, public‑health and supply‑chain arguments, the committee voted to carry the bill over to 2027.

Sponsor Delegate Clark framed the proposal as a public‑health and agricultural protection measure and pushed back against “lies and misinformation” from some opponents. Clark said the measure was intended “to protect farmers, protect their neighbors, and to protect those that are applying it,” and urged lawmakers to consider data and not fear‑based arguments.

Opponents and some committee members raised concerns about dependence on foreign suppliers and national‑security implications. Delegate Glass said Virginia faces a “serious supply chain vulnerability” and described reliance on imports from a state‑owned Chinese company as a risk to food and water security, urging caution about banning an agricultural input without domestic alternatives.

Members also cited regulatory steps and pending federal review by the EPA. Republicans and Democrats differed on timing and implementation: some urged more study and stakeholder engagement, others pressed for decisive action given Paraquat’s international restrictions. The motion to carry the bill over passed after debate.

Because the committee carried the measure over to 2027, no final policy decision or implementing language was adopted at this meeting. Sponsors and opponents were directed to continue stakeholder outreach and to provide data for further consideration.