SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Legislature has passed a bill requiring the Department of Pesticide Regulation, or DPR, to prioritize the reevaluation of the toxic pesticide paraquat. Assembly Bill 1963, by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Burbank), now awaits Gov. Gavin Newsom's signature.
Scientific research shows paraquat exposure significantly increases the risk of Parkinson’s disease and other severe health issues, including cancer. The bill mandates that DPR complete a formal scientific reevaluation of paraquat by January 1, 2029, much faster than its typical timeline, with some reviews languishing for more than two decades.
“AB 1963 was a very real win,” said Friedman. “The legislature provided additional funding this year for the Department of Pesticide Regulation with the requirement that they do more re-evaluations of toxic chemicals. Paraquat will be at the top of that re-evaluation list. With the mounting medical evidence indicating that paraquat is simply too toxic to remain in wide use, I am very confident that DPR will not only do a thorough re-evaluation of paraquat, but either ban it outright or place greater restrictions on its use.”
The bill had to be revised to get through the tough Senate Agriculture Committee, which typically aligns with large farming interests. Major paraquat users in California include almond, pistachio, cotton, pomegranate and grape growers.
The bill no longer contains a provision that suspends the use of paraquat if DPR fails to meet the reevaluation deadline. But it is still a crucial step forward in spotlighting the health risks caused from exposure to the weedkiller, noted Bill Allayaud, California vice president of government affairs for the Environmental Working Group.
“The legislature has spoken loud and clear. They want the science on paraquat to be considered now while farmworkers and nearby residents are exposed – not down the road,” he said. “And DPR is about to have more staff and fiscal resources to get this done with no excuses.”
A.B. 2113, signed by Newsom in June, gives DPR additional resources through a minor increase in pesticide registration and sales fees, allowing them to expedite scientific reevaluations.
Julia Pitcher, director of State Government Relations for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, stated, “We are encouraged by the progress being made in California setting the example for other states to act when it comes to evaluating the safety and toxicity of chemicals with long-term neurological and other health implications. We strongly urge the passage of this legislation and look forward to Gov. Newsom signing it into law soon.”
EWG and the MJF Foundation compiled evidence of both accidents and misuse of paraquat in California and nationwide. So despite the industry claim that DPR allows paraquat under “highly restricted” conditions only, farmworkers are regularly exposed.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
