The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) is making a push for the pesticide preemption bill recently introduced in Congress, as it gathered 159 individual associations as signatories on a letter of support sent to lawmakers.
National and state associations representing pest management, agriculture, landscaping, golf, forestry, and pesticide education signed the letter, which you can see on the NMPA’s website. Every state association in the pest management industry joined the effort, showing how important the issue of pesticide preemption is to ensure pest management professionals (PMPs) can continue protecting America’s food, health and property, the NPMA said.
The bill, HR 7266, was introduced by Representative Rodney Davis (R-Ill.) on March 30. It codifies federal pesticide preemption as the national standard, which ensures the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state lead agencies jointly regulate pesticide use. The bill would prevent localities from regulating pesticides, and would give that responsibility to agencies with scientific expertise that are able to evaluate whether a product is safe and effective. The NPMA said the bill promotes the science-based policy making for which it has always advocated.
The letter shows this clarity is needed not just for the pest management industry, but for anyone who uses pesticides. From national groups like the Farm Bureau to specialty groups like the National Christmas Tree Association, from local education groups like the Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas to groups representing regulators like the Association of American Pesticide Control Officials and the Association of Structural Pest Control Regulatory Officials, the 159 associations that signed on show a united front to Congress, the NPMA said.
This bill is essential in helping not only the businesses in our industry, but those in every industry who depend on pesticides to keep Americans safe where they live, work, eat and play, said the NPMA. This is a monumental achievement for our industry, as we continue to push for a preemption fix once and for all in the 2023 Farm Bill.
The NPMA said it will use the letter in all of its Congressional visits. PMPs are encouraged to reach out to their federal representatives and use the letter to help them understand the importance of pesticide preemption. In addition, readers may send a Voter Voice to their representatives in Congress, asking them to cosponsor HR 7266.
Pest Management Professional’s May issue has more on this topic and what it means to the pest control industry:
About the Author
Diane Sofranec is the senior editor for PMP magazine. She can be reached at dsofranec@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3793.
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