Dozens Rally at Iowa Statehouse for Water Quality Action

Protesters call on lawmakers to oppose bill shielding Roundup makers from lawsuits

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Dozens of people, including members of the group Food and Water Watch, gathered at the Iowa statehouse last week to demand state action on water quality issues. Protesters placed flowers in honor of Iowans who have died of cancer, and called on state lawmakers to oppose a bill that would shield the makers of the pesticide Roundup from lawsuits claiming the company failed to warn consumers of health risks, as long as the pesticide's label follows federal guidelines.

Why it matters

The rally highlights growing concerns about water quality and the potential health impacts of pesticides like Roundup in Iowa. The proposed bill to shield Roundup's makers from lawsuits is seen by many as prioritizing corporate interests over public health and environmental protections.

The details

Alison Barnhill of Huxley, a member of Food and Water Watch, spoke at the rally, saying she was there representing 'two groups that can't be here today, who can't speak up for themselves' - her sister and others 'ravaged by chemotherapy and radiation' who are 'too immunosuppressed to be here.' Participants placed flowers on a table in the rotunda in honor of Iowans who've died of cancer. The protesters called on state lawmakers to oppose a bill that passed the Iowa Senate last year, which would shield the makers of Roundup from lawsuits claiming the company failed to warn consumers of health risks, as long as the pesticide's label follows federal guidelines.

  • The rally took place last week at the Iowa statehouse.
  • The Iowa Senate passed a bill last year that would shield Roundup makers from certain lawsuits.

The players

Alison Barnhill

A member of the group Food and Water Watch who spoke at the rally.

Food and Water Watch

A national non-profit organization that advocates for safe, accessible water and healthy food.

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What they’re saying

“I'm here for two groups that can't be here today, who can't speak up for themselves. And one is my sister and all the other people like her who are ravaged by chemotherapy and radiation and are too immunosuppressed to be here.”

— Alison Barnhill, Member, Food and Water Watch

What’s next

The Iowa House will now consider the bill passed by the Senate that would shield Roundup makers from certain lawsuits.

The takeaway

This rally underscores the growing tensions in Iowa over water quality, pesticide use, and corporate accountability for potential health impacts. Lawmakers will have to weigh public health concerns against industry interests as they debate the proposed legislation.