Legislation & Regulation Archives - The Edge from the National Association of Landscape Professionals

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Legislation & Regulation

Advocacy Ambassador: Mark Kelbacher

Advocacy doesn’t happen by accident. Mark Kelbacher, owner of MissionGreen Services, based in Chicopee, Massachusetts, discovered this firsthand when he realized that decisions being made at the state capital often lacked input from licensed professionals and were directly affecting how he was able to operate his business and serve customers. ā€œRather than reacting after the […]

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ICE ChangesĀ I-9 Enforcement Turning Minor Errors Into Costly Violations

Recently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has quietly changed how it classifies I-9 form violations, significantly increasing the risk of fines for employers. All U.S. employers are required to verify the identity and work authorization of every employee hired after Nov. 6, 1986, by completing Form I-9. Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of […]

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Boots on the Ground: Why You Should Join the Advocacy Ambassador Program

There is strength in numbers, and in an effort to increase the industry’s advocates, NALP has launched the Advocacy Ambassador Program. The Advocacy Ambassador Program’s goals are to inform, engage and activate NALP members to be the sword and shield on behalf of the landscape industry. ā€œWe want people to have a clear understanding of […]

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Stronger Together: How NALP Relentlessly Advocates for the Industry

Relentless advocacy is one of the core initiatives for the National Association of Landscape Professionals. ā€œWe are the only national trade organization representing the entire landscape industry,ā€ says Andrew Bray, NALP senior vice president of government relations and membership. ā€œWhat is happening on Capitol Hill, especially in times like now, is moving at a very, […]

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Building Your Team: The Importance of Advocating for the H-2B Program

In markets where finding sufficient labor is extremely challenging, landscape companies have turned to the H-2B temporary visa program for assistance. However, this program is particularly volatile as Congress has failed to fully address permanent reforms due to intense political pressure from multiple angles. While landscape companies strive to limit their dependence on the program […]

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Don’t Be on the Menu: How To Stop Harmful Legislation Before It Starts

With roughly 14,000 local jurisdictions in the United States, it’s hard to stay on top of all the proposed legislation that could negatively impact the landscape industry. However, it becomes far easier to track when NALP members are involved in the community, read the local newspaper and participate in the political processes in their area. […]

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Policy Issues That Could Change Your Business in 2026

Legislation and policies are constantly evolving in the government affairs space, which is why it is critical to stay informed and engaged. ā€œBeing informed is really simple,ā€ says Andrew Bray, NALP senior vice president of government relations and membership. ā€œSign up to get The Advocate. Read stories that go on The Edge that are related […]

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Meet Dan Papineau, the 2025 Advocate of the Year

Dan Papineau is the director of government affairs for TruGreen, where he monitors and responds to legislation and regulations in all 50 states. He started his career working for a member of the Michigan Senate and has also held lobbying positions at the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Midwest Independent Retailers Association. He has […]

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NALP Educates EPA Officials During Advocacy Field Trip

Federal regulators from the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Programs, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Office of Pest Management Programs at the USDA all attended the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ annual Advocacy Field Trip on Sept. 9, 2025. This event serves as an opportunity to educate and expand regulators’ perspectives on pesticides. […]

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How Manufacturers and Distributors Are Responding to Current Tariffs

While other world events may have pushed the thought of tariffs to the back burner, this doesn’t negate their impact on industry manufacturers and suppliers as they strive to navigate the ever-changing rules. ā€œThe impact of tariffs is top of mind and the situation continues to evolve daily,ā€ says Eric Bjorling, vice president of marketing […]

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