AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION for AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
11 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Agriculture AGR
Support Technical Service Provider (TSP) & Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) reform - direct contracting between USDA-NRCS and third-party TSPs; and prevailing local market rates for third-party TSPs. Support cost-share payment for Ag retailers that purchase precision ag technologies through the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Oppose EQIP funding to build end user bulk chemical storage and load pads. Participate in coalition to reform Conservation Reserve Program (CRP). Support approval / deregulation of new biotech seed products such as roundup ready alfalfa and sugarbeets Work with FMCSA and Congress on technical correction to the hours of service agricultural exemption as it relates to the definition of "distribution of the farm supplies." Encourage funding for CEAP program and USDA varification of conservation practices Support HR 2031, EATS Act Support continued funding for the crop insurance program as as needed safety net for farmers Support the protection of GPS by ensuring broadband (Lightsquared) frequency will not interupt / eliminate GPS connection Member of the Coalition to Save Our GPS Support continued funding for conservation programs like CEAP reporting. Support HR 2682, HR 2779, HR 3527, HR 1849, and HR 2586 as part of the Coalition for Derivatives End-Users. Work with NRCS on certainty guidelines Support farm bill reauthorization with ARA recommended modifications such as the inclusion of HR 872. Support S. 3605 Support "Preserving Marginal Lands and Protecting Farming Act of 2013"
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Transportation TRA
Work with PHMSA on transportation safety, driver documentation and security issues. 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. Support maintaining railroads common carrier obligation and liability for TIH materials. Support efforts to reform the Surface Transportation Board and providing more oversight of the railroads. Oppose efforts to remove railroads common carrier obligation. Worked with DOT's PHMSA and FMCSA to support mandatory anhydrous ammonia nurse tank testing and clinics. Oppose the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) tax as a way to fund the federal highway system Support federal preemption on the transportation of HAZMAT. Work with Congress and FMCSA officials on technical clarification to the hours of service agricultural exemption that defines the "distribution point of farm supplies." Support HR 3265 / S 1915 Request DOT FMCSA on the HMSP to fix IT issues and the administration of the program to not treat hazmat unfairly. Work with Congress, FMCSA to reform the HAZMAT Safety Permit Program. Request Congress eliminate or streamline states Hazmat registration programs. Work with FMCSA and Congress to properly define "implement of husbandry" and resolve interstate vs. intra state issues related to the movement of this type of agricultural equipment. Support certain provisions included in HR 7, the "American Energy and Infrastructure Jobs Act of 2012" Support certain provisions included in S. 1813, the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century or MAP-21 Support efforts to revise federal "tank vehicle" definition Support HR 4348 Work with Congress and Administration (DHS / US Army Corps of Engineers) to maintain navigable waterway along the Upper Mississippi river to ensure the continuation of shipping traffic for fertilizer and other crop inputs and agricultural commodities. Part of business coalition effort to encourage International Longshoremens Association and the U.S. Maritime Alliance to reach long term contract agreement and prevent potential shut down of East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. Support the Administration's use of the Taft-Hartley Act if necessary.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Work to ensure comeptetive corporate and individual rates through support for broad based tax reform. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation schedule for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support legislation that calls for broad base tax reform and provides a more competitive corporate rate. Support legislation that allows for agricultural equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Health Issues HCR
Support repeal of over burdensome and costly sections of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148), i.e. seasonal worker full-time equivalency
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Environment/Superfund ENV
Oppose current EPA proposal on Web based labeling system for section 3 pesticide registered products that duplicates private sector efforts. Support modifications to EPA's Spill, Prevention, Control and Countermeasures (SPCC) rules. Assist EPA with information on the pesticide container and containment rule. Oppose green house gas (GHG) emission regulation under the Clean Air Act. Support efforts to reform the Endangered Species Act. Member of the EPA's Pesticide Policy Dialogue Committee, the committee reviews a wide range of EPA programs including pesticide registrations, registration procedures, spray drift mitigation, water pollution, labeling concepts, and other areas. The PPDC and its mission and its members are reported in the fed reg. Working with EPA to define the definition of oil under the SPCC. Work with EPA in defining the scope of inert ingredient regulation. Oppose EPA's draft PR Notice on Spray Drift Labeling and Guidance. Oppose regulatory course particulate matter through Clean Air Act NAAQS. Worked with EPA to guide them in the development of NPDES permits for aquatic pesticide applications Support legislation (HR 872 /S 718) to exempt pesticide applications from CWA permitting requirements. Oppose prescribed quantitative fertilizer use in the Chesapeake Bay to control TMDLs Worked with NRCS on ag conservation in the Chesapeake Bay Worked with Congress to exempt FIFRA-compliant pesticide applications from the Clean Water Act. Support continued use and registration of atrazine by the EPA, which is a beneficial and safe herbicide for use by the agricultural industry that has undergone years of extensive scientific review by the agency. Opposed efforts by EPA to regulate urea and ammonia as pesticides under FIFRA Work with EPA to clarify their new Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act interpretation of fertilizer retailer to exclude facilities that blend fertilizer. Support HR 2018, the Clean Water Cooperative Federalism Act of 2011, and Oppose efforts by the EPA to put numeric nutrient criteria on states without the states authorization. Specificall, Support efforts to encourage EPA to pass Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rule. Oppose EPA's efforts to consider agricultural retailer who custom blend fertilizer as fertilizer manufacturers for the purposes of EPCRA. Oppose EPA and Army Corps of Engineers CWA Guidance Document Support S. 2245 / HR 4965, Preserve the Waters of the U.S. Act
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Chemicals/Chemical Industry CHM
Support an extension of the current DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program - HR 901, HR 908, HR 916, and S. 473. Oppose Inherently Safer Technology (IST) requirement and ability for citizen suits / third party lawsuits. Support federal preemption and stronger information protection and alternative ASPs. Member of the Chemical Sector Coordinating Council. Personnel Surety Program (PSP) / background check issues.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Energy/Nuclear ENG
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 chemicals. Coalition members of the Commodity Markets Oversight Coalition and Coalition for Derivatives End-Users. Suppports 25 x 25 Ag Energy Coalition efforts to promote use of renewable fuels. Oppose HR 1380, NAT Gas Act Support the Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Immigration IMM
E-Verify - Support mandatory use of E-Verify for contractors of the government Support a fair and efficient method to verify the legality of employees. Support inclusion of new and workable agricultural guest-worker program administered by USDA as part of HR 2164 / S. 1196. HR 2895, Legal Agricultural Workforce Act.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
Oppose the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) or so-called card check proposal. Oppose denying workers their right to a secret ballot when deciding whether to be represented by a unions. Support HR 3094, Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act. Support HR 2587, the Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act. Oppose DOL proposed child ag labor regulations. Oppose NLRB Poster Mandate.Support efforts for responsible pension reform.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Natural Resources NAT
Support HR 1837, the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Water Reliability Act Oppose the implementation of the National Oceans Policy. Support H.R. 3409, the Stop the War on Coal Act of 2012.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Homeland Security HOM
Serve on DHS Chemical Sector Coordinating Council providing input on implementation of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). Participate in Food & Ag Coordinating Council. Assist DHS with the Farm Operations security rule. Oppose Inherently Safer Technology (IST) mandate; Support federal preemption of DHS CFATS rules & stronger information protection; oppose citizen suits; support Alternative SVAs and ASPs; support CFATS permanent rule. Support extension of CFATS program - HR 901, HR 908, HR 916, S 473. Support removal of fuels from being listed on Appendix A:Chemicals of Interest. Support a modified version of the MODERN Security Credentials Act (HR 1690), which streamlines credentialing for HAZMAT drivers. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Authorization Act of 2011, concerned with provisions included related to the MODERN Security Credentials Act as it relates to "security sensitive materials" and oppose GPS provisions included in the proposal. Personnel Surety Program (PSP) / background check issues
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | Office of Rep. Marino (R-PA) |
Shown as published by the Senate Office of Public Records and the House Clerk under the Lobbying Disclosure Act. The official filing is the record; open it for the full form.