03/19/2024

MSPCA Members Visit Capitol Hill during NPMA Legislative Day

This past week, members of the Maryland State Pest Control Association (MSPCA) joined colleagues from across the nation in Washington, D.C., for the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) Legislative Day. This annual event serves as a vital platform for pest management professionals to engage with policymakers and advocate for issues crucial to the industry.

During their time in the nation's capital, MSPCA members had the opportunity to meet with staff members of our Maryland legislators, including Senator Ben Cardin - MD (D) and Representative Steny Hoyer - MD (D). These meetings provided an invaluable chance for MSPCA representatives to discuss pressing concerns facing the pest management industry and to highlight the importance of their legislative support in addressing these issues.

One of the primary topics of discussion was state pesticide preemption - the recognition of state-lead agencies as co-regulators alongside the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in overseeing pesticides. MSPCA, in alignment with NPMA and other industry stakeholders, emphasized the need for a federal mandate for state pesticide preemption across the country.

To illustrate, our members addressed the challenges faced here in Maryland where we do not have state pesticide preemption, compared to neighboring states that do. The PMPs representing Maryland-based companies were able to clearly articulate the compliance challenges they face when dealing with varying regulations across townships and counties within Maryland.  With compliance changing depending on the location of service, sometimes within the same neighborhood, the burden to comply is great. Something our counterparts in neighboring states do not have to overcome.

The engagement with our representatives’ staff members underscored the commitment of MSPCA to actively participate in the legislative process and to champion policies that promote the interests of pest management professionals and the communities they serve. We left each Hill visit with the promise to be a resource for our legislators on issues much broader than pests and the use of pesticides. We also included issues like small business, workforce development, and taxation.

Our members heard from Sen. Tim Kaine - VA (D) over lunch. Sen. Kaine applauded attendees’ efforts to engage in the legislative process and recognized where we may come together.  Kaine’s bill, The JOBS Act, would extend PELL grant funding to students enrolled in high-quality technical training recognized by the appropriate industry.

As the pest management industry continues to evolve, collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers remains essential. MSPCA’s participation in NPMA Legislative Day exemplifies their dedication to advancing the interests of the pest management industry and ensuring its continued success.

Through continued advocacy efforts and partnerships with policymakers, MSPCA remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting public health, property, and the environment.