Port Strike Ends: NPMA Monitoring Impacts from 3-Day Strike
Earlier this week, on behalf of NPMA's fumigators that operate at U.S. ports, and other interested parties within our membership, NPMA joined the National Retail Federation (NRF) and over 200+ other organizations in a letter to President Biden urging his office to intervene in the strike of 50,000+ members of the International Longshoreman’s Association working along the East Coast ports. We were pleased to see Thursday evening labor unions and management reached a tentative deal on wages, with workers returning to the ports this morning. While the tentative deal is set to expire January 15th, reports suggest that labor unions and management should be positioned to finalize the agreement before it expires.
Farm Bill Expires; Ag Leaders Still Hopeful for 2024 Passage
Last year's Farm Bill extension expired on Monday, but as a reminder, key programs won't lose their funding until the end of the calendar year. Last week, the four corners of ag logged some overtime hours in DC as they stuck around to discuss potential paths forward for the Farm Bill. Chairman GT Thompson (R-PA-15) and Chairwoman Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) have remained vocal in the press about their desire to get a Farm Bill passed in 2024.
Rodenticides Conversations Continue Downtown
NPMA has continued to maintain an open dialogue with the EPA on mitigation measures proposed in both the Draft Biological Evaluation of Rodenticides (Draft BE), and the Proposed Interim Decisions (PID) for Rodenticides. The Agency has been receptive toward our concerns with the proposed RUP classification, in addition to other proposed mitigation measures, and has demonstrated their desire to find a more workable solution for NPMA members, state regulators, and other stakeholders. NPMA will continue to update the membership on rodenticide registration review developments through Policy In Progress, and at PestWorld during the Public Policy Committee meeting.
States Move to Implement Certification & Training Plan Changes
The 2017 EPA Certification of Pesticide Applicators (CPA) Final Rule has prompted all 50 states to revise their certification plans. NPMA is actively tracking these state regulatory changes, and four states—IA, LA, OH, and WY—have updated their rules for public comment in the last six weeks. The EPA mandates a minimum age of 18 for certified applicators and requires updates to recordkeeping practices. Other changes will vary by state, and we encourage you to share your feedback when our team reaches out!
ICYMI - State-by-State Resource: School Pesticides Laws and Use Guidance
Our Public Policy team is currently updating resources that outline each state’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) or specific pesticide use requirements for schools. The resource will cover applicator and school requirements, along with the mandates of state agencies responsible for enforcement. Once completed, this will be available to NPMA members and shared with state regulators.
Does your company service schools? If your answer is yes, then you need to reach out to Megan at mstriegel@pestworld.org
Upcoming Events:
PestWorld 2024 is Almost Here!
Don’t miss your chance to join us in Denver, Colorado! From October 22-25, PestWorld 2024 will be the place to be for essential education sessions, numerous networking opportunities, and a great chance to reconnect with the NPMA Policy Team, JD, Megan, and Jackie! You can find the complete PestWorld schedule and registration details on the NPMA website. We've highlighted key events from the Public Policy team where we’ll discuss critical industry issues you won’t want to miss.
Fumigation Committee Meeting | Tuesday, October 22
Join the Fumigation Committee as they discuss Sulfuryl Fluoride Registration Review and others in the pipeline and more!
Public Policy Committee Meeting | Wednesday, October 23
The Public Policy Committee will discuss all things Farm Bill and State Level Pesticide Preemption, Rodenticides Registration Review, and other federal and state initiatives impacting the industry.
Regulatory Panel | Wednesday, October 23
Join NPMA for a session with distinguished state regulators who will examine upcoming federal regulations and their potential implications at the state level. The discussion will also emphasize how the professional pest management industry can effectively collaborate with state regulators.
SPAR Reception | Wednesday, October 23
The State Policy Affairs Representatives (SPARs) invite you to join them at an evening reception and learn more about how you can get involved in your state’s public policy ahead of the 2025 legislative session.
Registration is Open for the Association Impact Meeting (AIM)
Our State Policy Affairs Representatives (SPARs) along with state association leaders will be gathering in Arlington, VA on November 19-20, 2024, for the Association Impact Meeting (AIM). This exclusive two-day event will empower attendees with fresh insights and skills to enhance their ability to support their members and effectively advocate for sound public policy.
To our SPARs and state association leaders (officers and board members), if you did not receive an email from NPMA about registration, please reach out to Megan (mstriegel@pestworld.org) and Jackie (jramsey@pestworld.org).
