It's Time to Speak

If you’re a member of the National Pest Control Association, you recently received a rather disturbing memo from Bob Rosenberg, director of government affairs for the association. “By now,” Rosenberg wrote, “you have probably read or heard about the potential ramifications of the Food Quality Protection Act (FQPA). Frankly, the manner in which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is implementing FQPA may adversely impact the industry more than the loss of chlordane did almost 11 years ago.

“Passed unanimously by Congress in 1996, the law requires EPA to reassess the risks associated with exposure to all pesticides over a 10-year period in accordance with new, uniform, health-based standards (i.e., ‘reasonable certainty of no harm’). In addition, the Act provides for an additional margin of safety to protect children and infants.

“Most importantly,” he said, “the law directs EPA to use sound science and reliable data in conducting reassessments of pesticides. Specifically, FQPA provides that in conducting reassessments, EPA should take into account ‘all anticipated dietary exposures and other exposures for which there is reliable information.’ Nevertheless, EPA is relying upon anecdotal information and exaggerated modeling in considering the risks for the use of pesticides indoors.”

To counter EPA’s action, various pesticide user groups, including NPCA, are supporting H.R. 1592, a bi-partisan bill introduced by Congressmen Richard Pombo (R-CA), Ed Towns (D-NY), Gary Condit (D-CA) and Allen Boyd (D-FL). Known as the “Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act of 1999,” the bill would force EPA to implement FQPA as Congress had originally intended. It would do so by: (1) requiring EPA to reference actual use data and scientifically sound information when making FQPA regulatory decisions and (2) prohibiting the use of default assumptions and anecdotal or inadequate information to implement the new requirements of FQPA.

Since being introduced earlier this year, H.R. 1592 has attracted 80 co-sponsors, a promising start, but there’s still more work to be done. That’s where you come in. The NPCA is asking members and non-members alike to contact their representatives and urge them to sign on as co-sponsors of this important piece of legislation. If they already have agreed to be co-sponsors, NPCA is urging PCOs to thank them for their support.

If you would like to receive a sample letter stating the industry’s position on this matter, contact Bob Rosenberg at 800/678-6722. He’ll be happy to send you a copy of the letter, as well as the NPCA’s position statement on the “Regulatory Fairness and Openness Act.”

The time for action is now! Writing your elected representative will only take a few minutes, but it will be time well spent. “It could help save some of the industry’s most valuable tools,” Rosenberg says.

The author is publisher of PCT magazine.