AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION for AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION

Agriculture AGR

Support reforms of the Technical Service Provider (TSP) program included in the House and Senate passed farm bills (HR 2419) - direct contracting between USDA-NRCS and TSP; prevailing market rates for TSP. Also, support cost-share payment for Ag retailers that purchase precision ag equipment. Oppose EQIP funding to build end user bulk chemical storage. Participated in coalition to reform Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Support inclusion of grant program in House and Senate farm bills (HR 2419) to help Ag retailers partially cover costs of additives for anhydrous ammonia to prevent use by drug dealers in the production of meth. Supports 25 x 25 Ag Energy Coalition efforts to promote use of renewable fuels. Supports increasing the Hours of Service Agricultural Exemption from 100 to 150 air miles. ARA supports the USDA NASS reporting of data for agricultural chemical use.

Bills named: H.R. 2419 (110th)

Transportation TRA

Worked with PHMSA on transportation safety, driver documentation and security issues. Supports HR 1079, the Professional Drivers Background Efficiency Act of 2007. Coalition member of the Ag Transportation Working Group - supports reform of railroad practices related to rates, competition, new rail tank car design and deliveries of shipments. Supports increasing Hours of Service Agricultural Exemption air mile radius from 100 to 150.

Bills named: H.R. 1079 (110th)

Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX

Supports passage of the Agricultural Business Security Tax Credit Act of 2007 (S 551 / HR 1814). Supports Agricultural Chemicals Security Credit provision (Section 12405) of Senate-passed farm bill (HR 2419). Support effort to reform and / or repeal federal estate tax. Supports additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations.

Bills named: H.R. 1814 (110th), H.R. 2419 (110th)

Chemicals/Chemical Industry CHM

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (HR 5577). Opposed Inherently Safer Technology (IST) mandate; Support federal preemption and stronger information protection. Oppose ability for citizen suits / third party lawsuits. Serve on DHS Chemical Sector Coordinating Council providing input on Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) rules.

Bills named: H.R. 5577 (110th)

Energy/Nuclear ENG

Supports legislation for more oversight of over-the-counter energy trade by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) - S 577, S 2058, HR 594, HR 3009. Support the Commodity Futures Trading Commission Reauthorization provisions included in the Senate-passed farm bill (HR 2419). Coalition members of Ag Energy Alliance, which supports increased domestic exploration and production of natural gas and oil and oppose efforts to limit production as it hurts domestic manufacture of fertilizer and ag chemical Support U.S. Department of Interior's efforts to expand access to offshore domestic energy resources. Coalition member of the Energy Markets Oversight Coalition and supports "Close the Enron Loophole" effort.

Bills named: H.R. 2419 (110th), H.R. 594 (110th), H.R. 3009 (110th)

Homeland Security HOM

Serve on DHS Chemical Sector Coordinating Council providing input on implementation of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Participated in Food & Ag Coordinating Council. Assist DHS with the Farm Operations security rule. Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2008 (HR 5577) - opposed Inherently Safer Technology (IST mandate); support federal preemption of DHS CFATS rules and stronger information protection; oppose citizen suits / third party lawsuits. Raised questions / concerns with DHS "No Match" rules regarding immigration enforcement and potential impact on agricultural business operations.

Bills named: H.R. 5577 (110th)

Trade (domestic/foreign) TRD

Supports efforts to eliminate anti-dumping duty orders and other trade restrictions on solid urea and ammonium nitrate fertilizers from Russia and Ukraine. Suppoprts HR 443 and HR 445. Supports EuroChem's new shipper review case before the Department of Commerce. Opposes EPA own-use pilot program related to pesticide harmonization with Canada. Supports fair WTO agreement for agriculture.

Bills named: H.R. 445 (110th), H.R. 443 (110th)

Environment/Superfund ENV

Supported EPA's revisions to the SPCC rules, supported EPA's mandate to have federal recycling rules for recycling empty one-way plastic containers; assisted EPA with the new proposal on a web based labeling system for section 3 pesticide registered products. Supports modifications to EPA's Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) rules.