A Montana bill advancing in the state legislature would shield pesticide manufacturers and sellers from liability if their products carry a government-approved safety label.
Clayton Murphy reports for The Whitehall Ledger.
In short:
- House Bill 522 would prevent lawsuits against pesticide companies if their products include a safety label approved by regulatory agencies.
- Supporters, including the Montana Farm Bureau Federation, argue the bill protects farmers by ensuring continued access to essential agricultural chemicals.
- Opponents, such as Montana Audubon, warn it could set a precedent for limiting legal recourse against harmful products.
Key quote:
“Would we pass a law saying that folks can’t sue that company if there are associated damages with that product?”
— Peter Dudley, Montana Audubon
Why this matters:
Pesticides play a key role in agriculture, but their potential health and environmental risks have long been a point of contention. Restricting liability could limit accountability for harmful effects on ecosystems, drinking water, and public health. While regulatory approval processes exist, history has shown that some approved chemicals later prove dangerous. This bill reflects broader debates over corporate responsibility and legal protections for consumers and communities.
Related EHN coverage: Bob Quinn: It’s time to break our addiction to farm chemicals
