Pest Management Professional, April 2014

news views NPMAs Legislative Day 2014 unites industry boosts advocacy Attendees laud the retention of fumigant sulfuryl fluoride for food uses D uring an era marked by governmental gridlock partisan throw downs and a legislature stuck in neutral the National Pest Management Associations NPMAs Legislative Day 2014 held March 9 11 revealed the system isnt completely broken and that Legislative Day does make a big difference The recent passing of two key bills both of which have positive implications for the pest management industry was cited a few times to reinforce what many of the more than 300 attendees already recognized When we speak as a unified voice we are heard on Capitol Hill Gene Harrington NPMAs director of government affairs wasted no time thanking and congratulating last years attendees for writing their congressmen and senators and making the trip to last years Legislative Day to present a unified industry voice to legislators We made our case and were heard Harrington said Its a credit to this industrys strength that were able to look back on what can be accomplished when we work together In a well earned industry victory lap Harrington explained how the 2013 trip to Capitol Hill had a direct result on legislation that retains the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride for food uses He added last years attendees most likely also had a similar influence on lawmakers by building momentum for the Pest Elimination Services Transparency Terminology Act PESTT which led to the U S Department of Agricultures Wildlife Services USDA WS adopting an administrative policy that establishes clear parameters for the type of work the agency may and may not perform Were building relationships with both agencies which can only be a good thing for everyone involved Harrington added One general session updated attendees on the U S Environmental Protection Agencys EPAs key pending regulatory issues including attempts to protect bees from unintended exposure to pesticides in part with unnecessarily broad proposed legislation This sessions attendees also were brought up to date on Endangered Species Act pesticide consultations and the registration review process which will affect all pesticides during the next few years Gene Harrington NPMAs director of government affairs discusses a big industry win retaining the fumigant sulfuryl fluoride for food uses Other presentations included developing health and safety programs and cultural competence in team leadership to name just a few The day before the trip to Capitol Hill to express concerns to Congress attendees were treated to a lively debate between conservative hero Pat Buchanan and Democratic political strategist Donna Brazile See page 8 for more on that debate Rounding out this years keynote addresses were presentations by John Heilemann columnist for New York Magazine and Mike Allen chief White House correspondent for Politico PMP You can reach Nepper at wnepper@ northcoastmedia net or 216 706 3775 12 April 2014 Pest Management Professional www mypmp net