Must-read recap: The New Lede's top stories
Vermont governor signs paraquat ban; Fight erupts over Bayer's Roundup settlement; EPA walking back PFAS limits; Pork lobbyist hides affiliation with industry, and more.
Here’s the latest from The New Lede:
With governor’s signature, Vermont becomes 1st in nation to ban weed killer linked to Parkinson’s disease
Vermont on Tuesday became the first US state to ban the weed-killing pesticide paraquat, backed by lawmakers who cited concerns about research showing the chemical may cause the incurable brain ailment known as Parkinson’s disease. After considering the bill for several days, Gov. Phil Scott signed the legislation May 26. It takes effect Nov. 1. (Read the story.)
Bayer’s proposed Roundup settlement violates Constitution, new legal filing claims
Bayer’s proposed $7.25 billion class action settlement is a “sweetheart deal” that violates the US Constitution by running “roughshod over basic due process rights, according to a court filing that seeks to undo the nationwide program. That filing was followed by a “notice of removal” on Friday that seeks to shift the case to federal court, where its future could be in jeopardy. (Read the story.)
See related story: With a rich payout to lawyers but little for plaintiffs, Bayer’s Roundup settlement faces critics, doubts
Pork lobbyist helping lead “nonpartisan” group working against state animal welfare laws
The Carver Center for Agriculture & Nutrition’s op-eds and analyses papers fail to mention that its chairman, Andy Curliss, is also the vice president of strategic engagement for the National Pork Producers Council, which has been leading the meat industry’s push against state animal welfare laws. (Read the story.)
EPA walks back PFAS drinking water protections
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on Monday proposed dropping limits for four cancer-linked PFAS “forever chemicals” in drinking water established during the Biden administration, saying the changes were rushed and not in compliance with federal law. The EPA is also earmarking nearly $1 billion in grant funding for communities to PFAS. (Read the story.)
EPA failing to protect Iowa from farm pollution in drinking water supplies, lawsuit alleges
US regulators illegally backed away from responsibilities related to pollution-laden waterways in Iowa after meeting with officials from the state’s powerful farm lobby, according to a lawsuit filed Thursday. The EPA changed its stance just days after agency officials met with Iowa’s Farm Bureau representatives for the stated purpose of discussing the impaired waterways list, documents show. (Read the story.)
Loan transfer removes bulk of USDA digester delinquencies amid pause
The US government is no longer guaranteeing funding for the nation’s largest manure digester project that was years behind on paying its loans, but the troubled government loan program that had backed that project and many others remains on hold. (Read the story.)
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