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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/217788
You also need to be aware of, and follow, pesticide use limitations by both the state and federal EPA requirements in your area. We will see more EPA labeling with the ESPP application restrictions on them. Applicators should check the Internet for the most upto-date information. Pollinator protection is one of the EPA's priorities that we know will continue and escalate. Following the deaths of some 50,000 bees in Oregon this summer because of the incorrect application of a product containing neonicotinoid, we could also see more proposed legislation in the U.S. Congress and some states to stop the sale and use of neonicotinoid class of pesticides as some see it as harmful to bees. ANSI standards As the demand on water resources and the importance of water use efficiency grows, water agencies, regulators, land owners, landscape managers and others require a standardized process to determine landscape water supply and demands to address local, regional and national objectives. As various "green" ordinances and codes gain popularity, the estimation of landscape water requirements are increasingly being used to limit irrigation or allocate irrigation budgets on landscapes. The American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) initiated a project in January 2012 to develop a new standard, S623, Standardized Procedure for Determining Available Water for Landscapes and Estimating Landscape Water Use. The new document will standardize the ways in which both the available water resources and the irrigation requirements are quantified for landscape purposes. PLANET participates on this task force and is also involved with the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) in an ANSI standard on integrated pest management (IPM) for tree care. educate yourself about the candidates and their stance on the existing industry challenges, to help us educate them about the challenges, and to remain vigilant for any new challenges that may arise. There was not as much activity at the state level this year as there has been in the past. However, expect to see more local governments propose ordinances to control cosmetic pesticide use on turf and to control the amount of stormwater runoff from impervious areas. Those states without clear state pre-emption of local government ordinances will be targeted. In fact, some local governments in Maryland have either taken action or have held a hearing to discuss a cosmetic ban of pesticide application on all property, including private residential and commercial property within their borders. Lawn and landscape maintenance in the United States could become seriously handicapped like the industry is in Canada. In 2014 and beyond, getting positive messages across to customers and the public about the value of plants, healthy outdoor spaces, and the services to create and maintain them will be just as important as the providing great services. The next step would be to get them engaged in telling their local governments they do not support regulation on property owners' activities, like controlling weeds on their own properties.The effective use of social media may be one answer to getting the word out. LI Tom Delaney, is director of government affairs at the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). If you have any questions about this topic, you may contact him at 800-395-2522 or TomDelaney@landcarenet work.org. E15 fuel In June 2013, the U.S. Supreme Court rejected a challenge from automakers and small engine groups to the sale of E15 fuel.This decision paves the way for further expansion of this fuel — a mix of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline — which is not approved for use in outdoor power equipment or auto engines built before 2001. E15 studies have shown that the higher levels of ethanol damage fuel lines and fuel pumps, and can cause engine failure. At the GIE+EXPO in October, the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) rolled out a campaign to educate contractors, dealers and consumers about the dangers of E15 and how they can prevent engine damage. OPEI and other groups are set to lobby Congress to revamp or revoke the Renewable Fuels Standard, which mandates that ethanol, advanced biofuels and cellulosic fuels be blended into gasoline at certain levels by certain goal years. Outlook for 2014 Immigration, turfgrass, labels, water use, health care, E15 fuels and the economy are challenges the industry will continue to face in 2014.The housing marketing showed signs of recovery this year, and the landscape industry appears to have done better than it did in 2012. Next year is an election year, and incumbents, as well as those seeking to be elected will be courting your votes. It's important to www.landscapeirrigation.com Landscape and Irrigation 9