Help keep the momentum moving – H.R. 872 passes out of the House!
Yesterday, H.R. 872, which amends both FIFRA and the Clean Water Act (CWA) so as not to require NPDES permits for pesticide applications to, over, or near waters of the United States was passed yesterday on a bi-partisan vote of 295 – 130. This is a significant victory but just the first hurdle for a legislative fix to our CWA/NPDES has been passed.
The bill must now pass through the U.S. Senate which may be much more difficult! AMCA and MVCAC needs the involvement of all our collaborative members to get H.R. 872 through the Senate. California U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein are key votes! It is imperative that each district contact their local field offices of Senators Boxer and Feinstein to educate staff of the public health importance of H.R. 872 and a subsequent companion bill in the Senate.
How can you help?
American Mosquito Control Association (AMCA) will be holding the Annual AMCA Washington Day Conference in Washington D.C. on May 9-11, 2011. The host hotel will be the Westin Alexandria in Alexandria, VA.
This meeting allows MVCAC members to interact with our legislators in Washington D.C. and to educate them on all our issues that affect public health in California and our ability to do the important work with which we have been charged. There are over 50 members of the House of Representatives from the State of California.
We need more attendees from California! Please identify one staff member or trustee who can attend and represent your agency! Register for the event, make travel arrangements and make appointments with your representative. AMCA Regional Representative Steve Mulligan and MVCAC’s Becky Cline have volunteered to assist you in any way. AMCA will provide you with white papers and other handouts to help you with your visit to your representatives as well as guidance on what you will need to do in your meetings.
Feel free to contact Steve or Becky if you have any questions. Once you have identified the attendee please contact Becky (559-659-2437 or fwmadmanager@sbcglobal.net) and let her know so legislative visits can be coordinated.
Thank you for your continued hard work on H.R. 872 if nationally we all work together – we can make this happen!