Iowa Senate Approves Bill Shielding Pesticide Companies from Lawsuits

Iowa lawmakers have passed Senate File 394, a bill preventing failure-to-warn lawsuits against pesticide manufacturers, as long as their labels meet EPA standards.

• The bill, which passed 26–21, aligns state law with federal regulations and blocks lawsuits over warnings, even in cases of alleged harm.
• Supporters say it protects farmers from rising costs and prevents frivolous lawsuits, while critics argue it removes key legal recourse for those harmed by chemicals like glyphosate (RoundUp's active ingredient).
• Other states allow lawsuits over pesticide-related health claims, but Iowa would not under this bill.

Glyphosate, widely used in Iowa's industrial farming, is classified as “probably carcinogenic” by international agencies, though the EPA insists it's safe. With Iowa’s cancer rates among the highest in the U.S., concerns over long-term pesticide exposure continue to fuel public mistrust and legal battles.

31-03-2025