ARA FY 2008 Public Policy Priorities

FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE & REGULATORY PRIORITIES

1.    Transportation Issues (L&R)
        -Support efforts to streamline and standardize the CDL / Hazmat endorsement finger             print and background check requirements, including the elimination of redundant             background checks and restraints to the seasonal CDL Regulations
        -Assist in national effort to increase number of CDL / HME drivers
        -Support the Professional Driver Background Check Efficiency Act (H.R. 1079)
        -Work with coalitions and the STB to obtain fair railroad rate and shipping practices             for retailers
        -Oppose efforts by states or municipalities to enact hazmat transportation                                 restrictions  that supersede federal rules
        -Maintain active role in any policies that restrict transportation of hazmat materials,                     whether they affect drivers, routes, materials, or any administration issues
        -Support Hours of service miles extension to 150 air miles

2.    Stewardship (R&L)
        -Monitor and participate with the EPA in Spray Drift issues
        -Assist EPA with Stewardship and applicator training and guidance programs
        -Actively monitor EPA’s DRT program and involve ARA equipment and surfactant                     companies to ensure no adverse impact on retailers and distributors
        -Support NAFTA pesticide labeling project
        -Maintain involvement in pesticide recycling issues with industry and EPA to ensure             the  program is efficient and at no cost to retailers
        -Work with EPA/OPP on the guidance for the new Pesticide Container &                                     Containment  regulations
        -Participate with EPA on web-based labeling project and insist on retailer test group.

3.    Chemical Site Security (L & R)
        -Secure enactment of the Agricultural Business Security Investment Tax Credit Act                 (S. 551 / HR 1814)
        -Oppose chemical facility security legislation that includes inherently safer                             technology (IST) mandate, third party enforcement provisions, and weakening of                 federal pre-emption
        -Work with DHS and TFI on the implementation of new ammonium nitrate                                 registration regulations
        -Maintain active participation in the DHS Chemical Sector Coordinating Council

4.      2008 Farm Bill Reauthorization
        -Support reforms to farm bill programs related to the Technical Services Providers                 (TSP) program
        -Support CRP program flexibility for exiting and re-entering program
        -Support promotion of renewable energy and rural development programs
        -Support establishment of anti-Meth grant program  

5.  Fertilizer Supplies (L&R)
    -Work closely with the Congress, U.S. ITC and other federal agencies to support                     policies that ensure adequate supplies of fertilizer products are available for U.S.             retailers and  farmers and promote the development and use of risk management             tools
    -Support H.R. 443 and H.R. 445, bills to eliminate outdated tariffs on Russian and                 Ukrainian urea and ammonium nitrate fertilizer
    -Support efforts for uniform state fertilizer registration regulations and state tonnage             reporting and fees

6.   Energy Issues (L&R)
    -Support greater CFTC oversight of natural gas markets similar to agricultural                         commodities to help prevent price volatility.
    -Support federal energy policies that increase domestic natural gas supplies and help         reduce domestic fertilizer production costs.
    -Support efforts to encourage oil refiners to blend more ethanol into their gasoline                 products from the current 10% up to at least 30%.

7.  Carbon Credit & Air Quality Issues  (L&R)
    -Participate with other agricultural industry segments in discussions with Congress             and federal agencies on climate change, carbon cap and trade program to reduce             Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, or other air quality federal legislative or                         regulatory proposals.
    -Work to ensure agricultural retailers and distributors are not adversely impacted by             any emissions reduction requirements considered by Congress or the EPA.

8.  Miscellaneous Issues (L&R)
    -Support a comprehensive immigration reform policy that provides for a usable Ag                 guest worker program, a reliable verification system, secured borders, and the                 opportunity for current farm workers with the support of an employer sponsor to                 apply for legal status.
    -Tax Reform issues (Estate Tax, Business Expensing, etc.).
    -Work with the EPA on the guidance document for the new Spill Protection                                 Containment and Counter (SPCC) Measure Rules
    -Maintain involvement in the fertilizer anti-Meth task force

L:  Legislative Issues        R:  Regulatory Issues