Update:

GCSAA and 44 of its affiliated chapters signed onto a support letter for H.R. 7266. It was distributed to all Capitol Hill offices and helps to demonstrate the nationwide support for the preemption bill. In total, 159 organizations signed onto the support letter.  

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Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL-13) introduced a bill on March 29, that would codify federal pesticide preemption as the national standard. GCSAA supports uniform, science-based and predictable pesticide regulation conducted by scientists with years of expertise at the federal and state levels.

HR 7266 would ensure that the EPA and the State Lead Agency jointly regulate pesticide usage. It would preclude localities from regulating pesticides, instead ensuring that agencies with scientific expertise are able to evaluate whether a product is safe and effective, promoting the science-based policy that GCSAA continues to advocate for.

The responsible use of pesticides is essential to maintaining healthy turfgrass. Healthy turfgrass allows communities to enjoy many benefits including: creation of critical greenspaces, providing wildlife habitat, and ensuring recreational opportunities. There are many other environment benefits to healthy turfgrass including the capture of run-off pollutants in stormwater, temperature buffer, erosion control and serving as a protective barrier to groundwater.

Superintendents utilize pesticides in conjunction with integrated pest management (IPM) practices to best control pests and maintain healthy turf. Best management practices, continuing education, peer-reviewed research and technology are important elements for an IPM approach for golf course superintendents.

GCSAA will continue to work in 2022 to help build support around this important legislation and will continue to advocate for pesticide preemption.