An excerpt from a new article in the National Journal.
In an effort to protect their product, pesticide makers are loading up on high-powered lobbyists. Bayer, the largest manufacturer of neonics, has signed former House Majority Leader Dick Gephardt’s firm to lobby on the issue, according to disclosure records filed at the end of June. Gephardt himself is listed as a lobbyist for the company, along with his former chief of staff, Thomas O’Donnell, and aide Sharon Daniels.
Bayer also signed a contract in April with Cornerstone Government Affairs as part of its honeybee lobbying push.
A Bayer spokesperson declined to comment on the message its lobbyists plan to push. But the company confirmed that it recently hired both lobbying firms, and its line on pesticides has been well-publicized.
“Some critics contend that neonicotinoids may be involved in honeybee losses,” Bayer’s website proclaims. “However, there has been no demonstrated effect on colony health associated with neonicotinoid-based insecticides.”
