Paraquat imports climb despite concerns about health impacts
The US has been importing increasing amounts of paraquat, a pesticide widely used in farming that is linked to Parkinson’s disease, even as other countries have banned the chemical amid growing concerns about risks to human and environmental health, according to the findings of a new report.
An angry judge and a combative court hearing – questions raised about Syngenta’s paraquat settlement effort
Syngenta’s effort to settle thousands of lawsuits alleging its paraquat weed killer causes Parkinson’s disease may be running into a potential roadblock as some plaintiffs’ lawyers see the settlement terms as unfair to their clients.
Pesticides used near farm communities tied to rare but deadly childhood cancer
Children whose mothers lived near farms and fields treated with certain pesticides during pregnancy have a higher risk of a deadly cancer that is most commonly found in infants before their first birthday, according to a new study.
Philadelphia takes on companies over alleged deceptive plastic recycling claims
When Philadelphia filed a lawsuit last month alleging two prominent companies were engaged in a “coordinated campaign of deception” regarding the recyclability of their plastic film products, the city joined a growing group of state and local governments hoping litigation can help stem a rising tide of plastic waste.
Governor vetoes California bill to ban PFAS in cookware
California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have banned the sale of cookware made with controversial PFAS chemicals, as well as the sale of cleaning products, dental floss, food packaging and other products containing the chemicals.
WATCH: How Big Ag is trying to strip your right to sue
A battle in Washington is unfolding over a proposal that could limit lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers. Supporters — including major chemical companies and some lawmakers — say it would protect farmer access to critical weed killers and other farm aids while preventing a patchwork of varying state rules. Critics argue it would strip away the rights of farmers and consumers to seek justice if pesticides cause harm.
Farmers fight federal efforts to block states from promoting humane animal agriculture
A coalition of family farmers and meat companies gathered in the nation’s capital this week to fight federal efforts aimed at blocking state laws that promote humane, crate-free treatment of livestock.
Trump administration acts on majority of industry wish list
US manufacturers who late last year asked the incoming Trump administration for a “regulatory reset” have seen roughly 80% of their specific regulatory requests acted on in just the first eight months of Trump taking office.
States rush to support clean energy as Trump retreats from renewables
Massachusetts is one of many states nationwide with programs that encourage renewable energy development to meet robust greenhouse gas reduction goals. And like Massachusetts, many other states are sharpening their clean energy strategies to navigate the anti-renewable energy policies of the Trump administration.
Appeal seeks to force factory farms to disclose hazardous air emissions
A coalition of food, environmental and animal welfare groups is appealing a recent federal court decision that upheld a US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rule exempting factory farms from publicly disclosing hazardous air emissions information.