DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Stung by paying billions of dollars for settlements and trials, chemical giant Bayer has been lobbying lawmakers in three states to pass bills providing it a legal shield from lawsuits that claim its popular weedkiller Roundup causes cancer.
Nearly identical bills introduced in Iowa, Missouri and Idaho this year — with wording supplied by Bayer — would protect pesticide companies from claims they failed to warn that their product causes cancer, if their labels otherwise complied with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s regulations.
But legal experts warn the legislation could have broader consequences — extending to any product liability claim or, in Iowa’s case, providing immunity from lawsuits of any kind. Critics say it could spread nationwide.
“It’s just not good government to give a company immunity for things that they’re not telling their consumers,” said Matt Clement, a Jefferson City, Missouri, attorney who represents people suing Bayer. “If they’re successful in getting this passed in Missouri, I think they’ll be trying to do this all over the country.”
Bruins, Hurricanes, Canucks and Avalanche look to advance to second round of the NHL playoffs
Scenery of Sanhuan pastureland in Dalian, NE China's Liaoning
Canada's tourism spending sharply down in 2020
Zoom in on beautiful Fenghuang Town
2 hikers drown after falling into creek on Tennessee trail
China strives to build stronger rural tourism
China strives to build stronger rural tourism
Tourism in Tibet expected to witness notable boom
In Paris, students inspired by pro
Snow scenery of Xuexiang National Forest Park in Heilongjiang