Bayer is pushing for state legislation to protect itself from lawsuits claiming its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer, amid mounting legal battles and public scrutiny.
Hannah Fingerhut and David A. Lieb report for The Independent.
In short:
- Bayer is lobbying for legislation in Iowa, Missouri, and Idaho to shield itself from lawsuits alleging its Roundup weedkiller causes cancer.
- The proposed bills would block claims against pesticide makers if their products meet U.S. EPA label regulations, despite rising concerns over the chemical glyphosate.
- Opposition argues this could restrict consumers' rights to sue, drawing parallels to past controversies over opioids and asbestos.
Key quote:
"It’s just not good government to give a company immunity for things that they’re not telling their consumers."
— Matt Clement, attorney representing plaintiffs against Bayer
Why this matters:
Litigation related to cancer claims can be costly. Bayer, for instance, has already paid around $10 billion in settlements and judgments. These efforts reflect a strategy to manage both the legal and public relations challenges that arise when their products are associated with health risks, allowing them to continue business operations while potentially controlling the narrative around product safety.
