AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION for AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
12 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).Work with FMCSA and Congress on implementation of the hours of service agricultural exemption provision included in MAP-21. Encourage funding for CEAP program and USDA varification of conservation practices 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 legislation that exempts end-users from margin, any inter-affiliate trading, and duplicative and costly record-keeping requirements as part of the Coalition for Derivatives End-Users. Work with NRCS on certainty guidelines Support farm bill reauthorization with ARA recommendations Support "Preserving Marginal Lands and Protecting Farming Act of 2013" Support legislation that allows producers access to needed resources such as fumigants which are necessity to a safe food supply
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
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 reforms to IRC 2032A in terms of land-use valuation for farmers and ranchers. Ensure Section. 179 accelerated depreciation model stays in place and support cash accounting method for S-corporations.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. Support Section 179 depreciation. Support refrom to IRC 2032A for purposes of adjusting land-use valuation. Support extension of Ag Chemical Security Tax Credit.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
Participant in industry coalition supporting passage of Continuing Resolution to fund federal government agencies and programs, increase in federal debt ceiling, and support for entitlement and tax reform.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
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 that include farm supply dealers (HR 311/ S. 496 FUELS ACT). 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. Support legislation (HR 935) to exempt pesticide applications from CWA permitting requirements. Oppose prescribed quantitative fertilizer use in the Chesapeake Bay to control TMDLs Worked with agencies on ag conservation practices/plans in the Chesapeake Bay, Mississippi River Basin, Gulf of Mexico, and Great Lakes regions Work with EPA to clarify their new Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act interpretation of fertilizer retailer to exclude facilities that blend dry fertilizer, a non-chemical reaction. Oppose efforts by the EPA to put numeric nutrient criteria on states without the states authorization. Specifically, Support efforts to encourage EPA to pass Florida Numeric Nutrient Criteria Rule. Oppose EPA and Army Corps of Engineers CWA Guidance Document Support HR 888 General Duty Clarification Act Support HR 2776
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Immigration IMM
Support comprehensive immigration reform, including workable Ag Guest Worker Program.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Chemicals/Chemical Industry CHM
Support an extension of the current DHS Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) program. 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 | — |
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.Support Domestic Fuels Protection Act of 2013
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Labor Issues/Antitrust/Workplace LBR
Support H.R. 1120, "Providing Greater Certainty in Labor Relations Management Relations Act" Discussion of White House Executive Order 13650 - "Improving Chemical Facility Safety and Security" -
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Homeland Security HOM
Serve on DHS Chemical Sector Coordinating Council providing input on implementation of Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). 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. Support removal of fuels from being listed on Appendix A:Chemicals of Interest. Personnel Surety Program (PSP) / background check issues Support efforts to increase cyber security in order to safeguard America's critical infrastructure
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
Natural Resources NAT
Support reform of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) Oppose the implementation of the National Oceans Policy.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
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 on the implementation of the hours of service agricultural exemption provision included in MAP-21 Work with Congress, FMCSA to reform the HAZMAT Safety Permit Program. Request Congress eliminate or streamline states Hazmat registration programs. Support efforts to revise federal "tank vehicle" definition Support HR 612, Safe and Efficient Transportation Act (SETA)
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
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 | — |
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.