Global chemical manufacturer Bayer is ramping up its efforts to shield itself from a wave of lawsuits alleging its popular weedkiller, Roundup, can cause cancer. Despite setting aside $16 billion to settle around 170,000 cases, Bayer is now turning to state lawmakers for relief.
Bayer’s lobbying efforts in Missouri, Iowa, and Idaho this year aimed to block legal arguments against the company, but ultimately failed in all three states. Undeterred, Bayer plans to push for protective legislation during next year’s legislative sessions and may expand its efforts to other states.
The lawsuits against Bayer allege that Roundup’s key ingredient, glyphosate, can cause non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While some studies have linked glyphosate to cancer, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency maintains that it is not likely to be carcinogenic when used as directed.
Bayer’s push for protective legislation would shield pesticide companies from claims related to cancer warnings if their products comply with EPA regulations. Some lawmakers fear that if the lawsuits continue, Bayer may pull Roundup from the U.S. market, potentially forcing farmers to seek alternatives from China.
Despite facing setbacks in state legislatures, Bayer remains committed to its efforts to protect itself from the onslaught of lawsuits. The company’s future actions regarding Roundup remain uncertain, but the stakes are high as it navigates a complex legal landscape while continuing to face pressure from the agriculture industry.