IPPCA Goes to Washington, D.C.

IPPCA Legislative Action Team Update From IPPCA Headquarters Woodstock, Georgia IPPCA The Pond and Waterscape Industry’s Trade Association info@IPPCA.com 866-4U-IPPCA

Representatives of the IPPCA Legislative Action Team (LAT) Executive Director Dave Jones and Director of External Affairs Freddie Combas, were in Washington, DC. August 14th. The purpose of this trip was to meet with other GREEN Industry Coalition (GIC) representatives in an informal face-to-face meeting with the EPA. The meeting was hosted by Andy Smith, External Affairs Officer of the Irrigation Association (IA). The GIC has a multitude of concerns over language in the landscaping section of the newly proposed EPA Water Sense New Home Specifications Program that is poised to be launched before the end of the year.

The current EPA language has drastic restrictions on turf, landscape amenities and irrigation, as well as a total ban on Ornamental Water Features, which could have adverse short and long-term effects to the multi-billion dollar GREEN Industry, but more importantly to the environment. The IPPCA LAT led in the formation of a Pond and Waterscape Industry Coalition that includes major businesses, associations, manufacturers and hobbyists involved in the Pond and Waterscape Industry. The IPPCA LAT diligently worked to create new language for the EPA that would be more favorable and acceptable to the Pond and Waterscape Industry. In less than 24 hours the newly proposed language was signed and endorsed by more than 145 concerned entities.

When Jeff Weemhoff, President of Atlantic Water Gardens was asked about the reason for sponsoring the IPPCA’s trip to Washington, D.C. he replied, “When I heard that the IPPCA was attending this meeting, I felt that it was the least we could do as a major manufacturer of Pond and Waterscape equipment to assist those that are out there aggressively protecting our industry and interests.”

The EPA representatives present at the meeting were; Senior Policy Advisor, Infrastructure Finance, Michael Deane; Director of Municipal Support Division, Sheila Frace; Water Efficiency Program Manager, John Flowers; Water Sense Coordinator, Stephanie Tanner and several other staff members. Literally all of the GIC concerns were presented to the EPA, along with a host of scientific test data and possible alternate solutions. One of the main solutions of the many that were presented was the need for proper education on efficient water use as it pertains to the outdoor landscape. Efficient water use by the homeowner and proper water efficient landscape design, amenity choices and qualified installation by the contractor(s) were the primary focus.

The GIC strongly opposed the one-size-fits-all approach taken by the current language in the specifications of the proposed program. Freddie Combas presented the IPPCA and Pond and Waterscape Industry Coalition’s opposition to the total ban of Ornamental Water Features saying, “This action represents a total reversal to past EPA actions, grants, programs and recommendations to the general public promoting ponds, waterfalls, streams, and eco-friendly site practices.” The EPA acknowledged that the language as it pertained to Ornamental Water Features was too broad and that clarification was needed.

The IPPCA LAT had alternate proposed language for the Ornamental Water Features section (4.1.4) that was prepared and ready to be presented to the EPA at this meeting. The GIC determined that the Pond and Waterscape Industry Coalition alternate language would have a more favorable impact if presented with the total package that will be submitted to the EPA by the GIC later this month. Comments and feedback will still be heard by the IPPCA LAT if submitted prior to the September 4, 2008 public comments deadline established by the EPA.

The IPPCA was met with favor when its LAT representatives renewed the IPPCAís offer of assistance to the EPA in the revision of Ornamental Water Features 4.1.4. IA External Affairs Officer, Andy Smith summarized the importance of the IPPCA LAT members’ attendance at this meeting: “The Ornamental Water Feature is often an integral part of the comprehensive landscape and these water features can be quite water efficient. It is important for the industry and EPA to find ways to reward efficient water use rather than penalize an entire sector of the GREEN Industry for an inaccurate perception. The IPPCA has been highly successful, I feel, in getting that message across loud and clear in a positive fashion to the EPA.”

“All parties present agreed to jointly work towards a revised program that will accomplish the common goal of water use efficiency and conservation. As a result, the IPPCA considers the meeting a major success for the Pond and Waterscape Industry Coalition.” concluded Jones.

The IPPCA would like to take this opportunity to thank ALL of our Manufacturer and Business Sponsors, Affiliate Organization Members, Association Members and Hobbyists for their support through out the years. It is with this support that the IPPCA has been able to provide the Pond and Waterscape Industry with events like INFO TANZA and Ponditat For Humanity. In addition, the IPPCA LAT has also been able to positively intervene in regulations that could negatively impact our industry. Just a few examples include the court case in California last year, negative action against pond building in Nebraska, the current challenge regarding private fish ponds in Utah (including the lifting of the ban on Koi in that state) and the present EPA Water Sense New Home Specifications Program by providing positive solutions for all parties involved.

The IPPCA needs your continued support to adequately and efficiently address these and other issues that can negatively affect our industry and hobby. One of the many ways you can show your support for the IPPCA and its Legislative Action Team is by becoming a member of the IPPCA today. To find out more on becoming a member, visit www.IPPCA.com, Membership or call the IPPCA at 866-4U-IPPCA (866-484-7722).

Dave A. Jones Executive Director and Chairman of the Board IPPCA The Pond and Waterscape Industry’s Trade Association Dave@IPPCA.com

Our mission: To Promote, Protect and Advance the Pond and Waterscape Industry.

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