Bayer urges Missouri lawmakers to pass bill critics say shields it from Roundup lawsuits

Farm groups backed Bayer’s request, saying Roundup is critical to agriculture and losing the product would be devastating for Missouri farmers

The herbicide maker has settled or been ordered to pay out billions tied to lawsuits claiming the weedkiller Roundup causes cancer

Bayer pleaded with Missouri lawmakers Thursday to pass legislation critics say would shield the company from lawsuits claiming its glyphosate-based herbicide Roundup causes cancer.

Representatives for Bayer argue the legislation would clarify labeling requirements and prevent courts from creating a patchwork of obligations for the manufacturer.

But environmental groups and attorneys for Roundup users who have become ill say the legislation would insulate the company from accountability and prevent sick customers from suing the company. They urged legislators not to protect Bayer over their constituents.

Bayer, which has its U.S. headquarters in St. Louis, is the only domestic producer of glyphosate, which is commonly used by farmers to control weeds. In recent years, it has faced thousands of lawsuits from users claiming the product causes non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The company has settled cases or been ordered to pay out billions of dollars associated with the cases.