AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION for AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
10 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 extending the Hours of Service Agricultural Exemption at 150 air miles. 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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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 extending the Hours of Service Agricultural Exemption air mile radius of 150. 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." 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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
Taxation/Internal Revenue Code TAX
Support effort to repeal federal estate tax or at a minimum set rate to 35% and increase the exemption cap to $5 million per person / spouse, ensuring exemption is indexed to inflation, provide for spousal transfers and include the stepped up basis. Support additional tax reform such as accelerating depreciation for agricultural equipment used by agricultural operations. Support permanent extension of 2001 and 2003 tax cuts. Support extention of capital gains tax rate at 15%. Support extension of Agricultural Chemicals Security Tax Credit beyond Dec. 31, 2012. Support HR 1259, full repeal of the estate tax Support S. 700 and HR 1747, allows for equipment depreciation over a 5 year period.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
Health Issues HCR
Support repeal of Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PL 111-148), a law that increases federal mandates and costs on American businesses.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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. Oppose EPA's efforts to consider agricultural retailer who custom blend fertilizer as fertilizer manufacturers for the purposes of EPCRA.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| DAREN COPPOCK | — |
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| JONATHAN SAMSON | — |
| CARMEN STACY | — |
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.