Bob Helland, GCSAA director, congressional and federal affairs, recently attended the 2022 CropLife America, RISE and CPDA Regulatory Conference in Washington, D.C. This was an excellent opportunity for GCSAA to join representatives from agriculture, landscaping, and pesticide manufacturers – as well as federal regulators – to discuss latest innovations and events impacting pesticides, animal and plant health. Topics included increasing the effectiveness of regulatory comments, ongoing risk assessments under the Endangered Species Act, and efforts in the European Union that impact agricultural exports and target the use of pesticides. 

Two specific sessions that were of importance to golf course management related to challenges to federal preemption under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA). This includes S. 3283 (PACTPA), sponsored by Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ), which would replace FIFRA’s strict, science-based standards with those of localities across the country that do not have the expertise nor the understanding of how they impact golf. GCSAA is leading advocacy efforts against S. 3283 within golf and the pesticide registrant community, and Helland got to discuss those efforts with participants. He was also sure to mention H.R. 7266, sponsored by Rep. Rodney Davis (R-IL), which would prohibit local governments from regulating pesticides. GCSAA supports H.R. 7266 as it would provide certainty to golf course superintendents who follow baseline environmental compliance and then also utilize science-based agronomic and environmental best management practices (BMPs) to provide healthy greenspaces and wildlife habitat that benefit everyone. They understand that the “label is the law” when selectively using insecticide, herbicides and fungicides to protect the health of turf, trees, and other living things on their courses.

GCSAA’s participation in this conference ensured that golf’s voice will continue to be heard.