Bill > S09094

This bill prohibits the distribution, sale, purchase, or use of any pesticide product containing paraquat dichloride or any other chemical form of paraquat, defining "paraquat" as a pesticide with a specific chemical registry number (CAS number 4685-14-7) and its salts, including methyl viologen and paraquat bismethylsulfate. The bill's legislative findings highlight that paraquat is a highly toxic herbicide that kills all vegetation it touches, has been classified as a restricted use pesticide by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) since 1978 due to its acute toxicity and poisoning potential, and is banned in 72 countries, including the European Union since 2007. Furthermore, studies suggest a substantial increased risk of Parkinson's disease and possible links to other cancers and childhood leukemia from paraquat exposure, despite the EPA's interim decision in 2021 to continue its registration, which is currently under judicial review and reconsideration by the EPA. This state-level ban is intended to protect New Yorkers from these known health effects while the federal review is ongoing, and the act is set to take effect on January 1, 2027.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S9094