Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025

Issues relating to EPA reorganization impacts to staffing and programs under the Office of Pesticide Programs. Issues relating to nominations for the National Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). Issues relating to Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5; Division HH, Title VI of P.L. 117-328) and authorities ending at the end of FY 2027. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Issues relating to funding and impacts of the Nutria Eradication and Control Act for FYs 2021-2025 (PL 116-186). How Marylands successful Chesapeake Bay Nutria Eradication Program offers a proven framework that can inform Californias efforts, with adaptations to reflect Californias legal and ecological conditions.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), SENATE, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Issues relating to USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program and infestations in northern California. Support maintaining Section 12003, Dog Detection Training Center, in H.R. 8467 Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024 (118th Congress) in forthcoming skinny Farm Bill. Issues relating to 7 USC, Plant Protection, Section 7721, Plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention, (b)(6) Special Funding Considerations. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide funds to a State department of agriculture if the Secretary determines that-(A) the State department of agriculture is in a State that has a high risk of being affected by 1 or more plant pests or diseases, taking into consideration-(i) the number of international ports of entry in the State; (ii) the volume of international passenger and cargo entry into the State; (iii) the geographic location of the State and if the location or types of agricultural commodities produced in the State are conducive to agricultural pest and disease establishment due to the climate, crop diversity, or natural resources (including unique plant species) of the State; and (iv) whether the Secretary has determined that an agricultural pest or disease in the State is a Federal concern; and (B) the early plant pest detection and surveillance activities supported with the funds will likely-(i) prevent the introduction and establishment of plant pests; and (ii) provide a comprehensive approach to compliment Federal detection efforts. Issues relating to potential impacts to U.S. Department of Agriculture programs focusing on biological, labor-intensive activities, and resulting challenges to safeguarding U.S. agriculture should the federal government shutdown. Issues relating to National Detector Dog Training Center in protecting the domestic agriculture sector from invasive pests and diseases. Urge USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to consider and prioritize the growing use of canine teams nationally and within territories of the U.S. by exploring ways to expand the number of canine detection training facilities across the country, to include areas on the West Coast with high detection needs. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Impacts relating to California Prop 50 and redrawing of congressional districts.

H. R. 4121, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for FY 2026 and accompanying H.Report 119-172 and S.119-37. Issues relating to funding levels for USDA APHIS Specialty Crop pest programs including Asian Citrus Psyllid, Glassy-winged Sharpshooter, Fruit Fly Exclusion and Detection, Spotted Lantern Fly, USDA-APHIS Fruit Fly Rearing Facility at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, CA, additional federal support to attain 50:50 cost share for County - USDA APHIS Wildlife Services programs, and USDA cooperation with increasing populations of grasshoppers in southern Oregon, northern Nevada and northern California damaging rangelands, orchards and vineyards. Issues relating to Nutria Eradication and Control Act (P.L. 116-186) and funding for FYs 2021-2025 in the bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and related agencies. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Issues relating to H.R. 180: Endangered Species Transparency and Reasonableness Act of 2025 H.R. 178: Wildfire Suppression and Management Act, and H.R. 179: Proven Forest Management Act of 2025, would help refine statutory language in environmental and forest management law. Issues relating to FY 2026 budget and impacts of proposed staffing. Impacts on EPA during a federal government shutdown. Issues relating to nominations for the National Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee (PPDC). Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Issues relating to funding and impacts of the Nutria Eradication and Control Act for FYs 2021-2025 (PL 116-186).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS)

Issues relating to USDA-APHIS Rangeland Grasshopper and Mormon Cricket Suppression Program and infestations in northern California. Support Section (a) of section 10107 that amends section 420(f)of the 7 USC, Plant Protection, Section 7721, Plant Pest and Disease Management & Disaster Prevention, included in H.R. 1, One Big Beautiful Bill Act that provide $90 million for fiscal year 2026 and each fiscal year thereafter. Issues relating to 7 USC, Plant Protection, Section 7721, Plant pest and disease management and disaster prevention, (b)(6) Special Funding Considerations. The Secretary of Agriculture is directed to provide funds to a State department of agriculture if the Secretary determines that-(A) the State department of agriculture is in a State that has a high risk of being affected by 1 or more plant pests or diseases, taking into consideration-(i) the number of international ports of entry in the State; (ii) the volume of international passenger and cargo entry into the State; (iii) the geographic location of the State and if the location or types of agricultural commodities produced in the State are conducive to agricultural pest and disease establishment due to the climate, crop diversity, or natural resources (including unique plant species) of the State; and (iv) whether the Secretary has determined that an agricultural pest or disease in the State is a Federal concern; and (B) the early plant pest detection and surveillance activities supported with the funds will likely-(i) prevent the introduction and establishment of plant pests; and (ii) provide a comprehensive approach to compliment Federal detection efforts. Issues relating to potential impacts of Department of Government Efficiency staff reductions in USDA biological program areas that are labor-intensive activities, and resulting challenges to safeguarding U.S. agriculture. Issues relating to producers in California facing challenges with rat infestations in almond orchards. Rats are damaging trees and nuts and eating through irrigation pipelines. Issues relating to National Detector Dog Training Center in protecting the domestic agriculture sector from invasive pests and diseases. Urge USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to consider and prioritize the growing use of canine teams nationally and within territories of the U.S. by exploring ways to expand the number of canine detection training facilities across the country, to include areas on the West Coast with high detection needs. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program.

H. R. 4121, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for FY 2026 and accompanying H.Report 119-172 and S.119-37. Issues relating to funding levels for USDA APHIS Specialty Crop pests, USDA-APHIS Fruit Fly Rearing Facility at Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, CA, additional federal support to attain 50:50 cost share for County - USDA APHIS Wildlife Services programs, and USDA cooperation with increasing populations of grasshoppers in southern Oregon, northern Nevada and northern California damaging rangelands, orchards and vineyards. Issues relating to the invasive species nutria in California and the need for timely and adequate federal funding for eradication and control programs at the level authorized in the Nutria Eradication and Control Act (P.L. 116-186) in the bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, Environment, and related agencies for FY 2026. Issues relating to adequate funding for US Forest Service partnerships with Weed Management Area Groups in Region 5 to reduce hazardous fuels in the bill making appropriations for the Department of the Interior, environment, and related agencies for FY 2026. Issues relating to funding level for EPA Office of Pesticide Policy (OPP) budget for FY 2026. Support annual funding of EPA-OPP at the minimum appropriations trigger level required by the Pesticide Registration Improvement Act of 2022 (PRIA 5; Division HH, Title VI of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, P.L.117-328) that maintains EPA-OPP ability to assess and collect user fees. EPAs ability to meet statutory timeframes for registration applications and registration review case completions is dependent upon both fees and pesticide program appropriations. Issues relating to the joint explanatory statement accompanying Division A of the Consolidated Appropriations bill for FY 2023 where the House and Senate Appropriations Committees directed USDA to submit a report to the Committees within 1 year of enactment regarding the National Detector Dog Training Center's role in protecting the domestic agriculture sector from pests and diseases. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Issues relating to USDA Wildlife Services budget increase of $3 million in H. R. 4121, making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies for FY 2026.

Issues relating to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between California Agricultural Commissioners and Sealers Association (CACASA), the California Department of Pesticide Regulations and EPA Region 9 to ensure a unified and coordinated program of pesticide episode reporting, investigation, and enforcement action in the State of California. Support to codify state level pesticide preemption in the new Farm Bill. Issues relating to FY 2026 budget and impacts of proposed staffing. The EPA will start a reduction in force and reorganization. EPA planning an efficient regulatory framework that leverages advanced technology and well-organized on-the-ground efforts will serve as a model for environmental stewardship and agricultural productivity. Support enactment of H.R. 776, Nutria Eradication and Control Reauthorization Act of 2025, and funding at the authorized level for the Partners for Fish and Wildlife program. Issues relating to producers in California facing challenges with rat infestations in almond orchards. Rats are damaging trees and nuts and eating through irrigation pipelines.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: $20,000

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Issues relating to the Farm Bill and support of inclusion of additional funding for Plant Protection Act Section 7721to combat pests and diseases harmful to agriculture. Issues relating to the Farm Bill and support of inclusion of adequate funding necessary to enhance training of agricultural detector dog teams to ensure growing use of canine teams nationally and within territories of the U.S. focusing on interior U.S. pathways that could introduce pests harmful to U.S. agriculture and trade. Issues relating to the Farm Bill and support codifying state level pesticide preemption. Issues relating to the Farm Bill and support continuing implementation and authorized funding levels for Emergency Citrus Research & Extension Program and Specialty Crop Research Initiative (SCRI). Support the USDA Wildlife Services National Feral Swine Damage Program and direct USDA to prioritize areas with the most populous swine population. Support USDA Wildlife Services non-lethal strategies through funding to hire and maintain current personnel to promote and implement non-lethal human-predator conflict. Support H.R. 776, the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2025. Support maintaining the USDA honey grade program and ensuring imported honey is of good quality and safe for US consumers. Issues relating to the authorization for USDA Animal Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to set and collect user fees sufficient to cover the cost of providing and administering Agricultural Quarantine Inspection (AQI) services at ports of entry. Support federal coordination for regulatory development and implementation among the varying agencies with jurisdiction over industrial hemp. Support the use and adoption of equitable and uniform federal standards for cannabis and cannabis-containing products across federal and state jurisdictions.

Support adequate & consistent annual funding for USDA-APHIS biological pest & disease management programs such as those that support the U.S specialty crop industry in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Support adequate funding for biological infrastructure such as laboratories and Sterile Insect Release Facilities that provide much needed scientific support to the U.S. specialty crop industry in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Issues relating to County funds as part of the combined federal-state-local funds that are directed to pest and disease programs protecting California and the nations agriculture industry. Support consistent funding for Huanglongbing (HLB) Multi-Agency Coordination (MAC) framework and encourage APHIS to implement project ideas suggested by the HLB/MAC Stakeholders for early detection and biocontrol, maintain activities, and respond to ACP or HLB detections in new areas of California in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Support increase in funding for the glassy-winged sharpshooter (GWSS) program in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. The bacterial disease GWSS vectors, Xylella fastidiosa, or Pierces disease (PD), threatens the California grape industry and many other commodities. Support improving cost-share equity in California county-federal cooperative agreements protecting $55 billion in agricultural resources and direct USDA to allocate Wildlife Services funding based on states' wildlife damage rankings in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Support full authorization level of H.R. 776, the Nutria Eradication and Control Act of 2025. Issues relating to California county general funds expended annually for implementation of a comprehensive pesticide use enforcement program. Support adequate funding for Protecting America's Food and Agriculture Act (P.L. 116-122) authorizing the hiring of an additional 240 agricultural specialists per year, the hiring of an additional 200 agricultural technicians per year for administrative and support functions, and the training and assignment of 20 new canine inspection teams per year. Support adequate funding for U.S. Forest Service, State, Private and Tribal Forestry that partners with state and local programs, like Weed Management Areas, to combat the spread of invasive and non-native species that negatively impact ecosystems and intensify wildfires due to biodiversity alteration and changed fuel load properties in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Interior and Environment. Support adequate federal funding to develop industrial hemp markets in the west, specifically those that aid in the utilization of food, fiber and seed products. Support adequate funding for USDA Field Crop and Rangeland Ecosystem Pests program in the FY 2026 appropriations bill for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration and Related Agencies. Since 2022, grasshopper infestations in southern Oregon, northern Nevada, and eleven California counties (from northern California to the Central Valley) have caused moderate-to-major damage to rangelands, orchards, and vineyards.