FAIRFAX, Va. — The NPMA launched a letter in support of pesticide HR 7266 and brought together 159 individual associations as signatories. National and state associations have signed up to represent various fields such as agriculture, pest control, landscaping, golf, forestry, and pesticide education. Every state association of the pest control industry has joined in the effort, showing how important the issue of pesticide prevention is to ensuring the industry can continue to protect food, health and property of the United States.
HR 7266 was introduced March 30 by Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13). This bill codifies the federal pesticide preemption as a national standard, ensuring that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the state lead agency jointly regulate pesticide use. This would prevent localities from regulating pesticides, instead ensuring that agencies with scientific expertise are able to assess whether a product is safe and effective, promoting science-based policymaking for which the NPMA has always pleaded.
The letter supporting HR 7266 shows that this clarity is needed not just for the pest control 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 educational 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 signatory associations show a united front against Congress. This bill is essential to help businesses in all industries that rely on pesticides keep Americans safe where they live, work, eat and play.
“This is a monumental achievement for our industry, as we continue to push for a preemptive solution once and for all in the 2023 Farm Bill. We will use this letter on all of our visits to Congress, and we encourage industry to reach out to your federal representatives and use this letter to help them understand the importance of preemption. We are delighted to be joined by such a strong list of supporting organizations who share the same challenges as us. said Ashley Amidon, NPMA vice president of public policy.
