Vermont bans paraquat herbicide due to health concerns

Vermont has become the first state in the United States to ban the herbicide paraquat. Lawmakers cited studies linking the chemical to an increased risk of Parkinson's disease as a reason for the ban. Governor Phil Scott signed the legislation on May 26, 2026, and the law will take effect on November 1, 2026. However, the law includes a provision that allows state regulators to issue special permits for the use of paraquat on certain crops, including fruit-producing tree orchards and berries, until December 31, 2030.