AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION for AGRICULTURAL RETAILERS ASSOCIATION
What was lobbied
13 issue areas, each in the filer's own words, with who lobbied on it and where.
Trade (domestic/foreign) TRD
Support legislation that opens up trade opportunities for United States agriculture, such as Trade Promotion Authority.
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
| MICHAEL KENNEDY | — |
| JEFF SANDS | — |
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).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 legislation that allows producers access to needed resources such as fumigants which are necessity to a safe food supply Co-chair Precision Ag Coalition Work with Modern Ag Caucus to promote industry stewardship efforts.
| 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 | — |
Budget/Appropriations BUD
Participant in industry coalition supporting passage of annual appropriations bills to fund federal government agencies and programs. Support FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill language regarding reform to Hazardous Materials Safety Permit program Support Section 125 truck weight provision included in the House version of the FY 2015 THUD Appropriations bill
| Lobbyist | Covered position, as disclosed |
|---|---|
| RICHARD GUPTON | — |
Environment/Superfund ENV
Oppose current EPA proposal on Web based labeling system for 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).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. Support legislation (HR 935 / S 802) 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 Support the elimination of the fertilizer reporting exemption for ag retailers under the EPA's Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act reporting requirements. Oppose EPA and Army Corps of Engineers efforts to expand Clean Water Act,including the Section 404 Interpretative rule Support HR 888 General Duty Clarification Act Support HR 2776 Work with EPA regarding its review of the Risk Management Program as part of Executive Order 13650. Support EPA withdrawal of Florida's Numeric Nutrient Criteria proposal Support withdrawal of EPA's Spray Drift new Risk Assessment Guidance documents Support reforms to EPA's emergency response programs and better coordination between Local Emergency Planning Committees, first responders and the private sector
| 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" Work with OSHA on 1910.109(i) Ammonium Nitrate regulations. Working with OSHA to establish Alliance Program.
| 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 reauthorization (HR 4007).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 Support Ammonium Nitrate registration program, similar to Restricted Use Pesticide (RUS) registration program administered by the states.
| 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 | — |
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, 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) Support Hazmat Safety Permit program reform language for inclusion in FY 2015 THUD Appropriations Bill. Oppose mandatory use of electronic logging devices for agricultural operations Oppose FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner mandatory program. Support for S. 2777, the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2014
| 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 small business expensing - HR 4457 Support refrom to IRC 2032A for purposes of adjusting land-use valuation. Support extension of Ag Chemical Security Tax Credit. Discourage passage of Marketplace Fairness Act (S. 743 / HR 684) Support HR 4453 - Reduced Recognition Period of Built-In Gains Support HR 5213, STARS Act
| 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 (HR 4007). 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 | — |
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 | — |
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.