2010 GIC Legislative Agenda

2010 Legislative Agenda

North Carolina Green Industry Council

1. Water Rights and Allocation
a) Monitor and proactively engage the legislature as the proposed goals presented by the ERC Water Allocation Study translate into legislation. Work to protect the best interests of the green industry.
b) Continue to provide advocacy in support of the irrigation contractor license.
c) Work with DENR on irrigation efficiency standards as directed by HB2499/SB1879.
d) Build on our relationships with the League of Municipalities and individual municipalities as we move forward with pilot programs and our consumer education programs on water use efficiency.
e) Expand our relationship and involvement with the NC Chapter of AWWA.

2. Tax Issues
a) Monitor and proactively engage in the restructuring of the tax codes in North Carolina in the best interest of the green industry.
b) Support present-use valuation taxation

3. Practice Act for Landscape Contractors
a) Complete update/revisions of current draft legislation
b) Hold town hall meeting across the state to discuss and improve the draft legislation
c) Identify bill sponsors and work to pass the legislation in this session.
d) Full support from GIC member associations and the NCLCRB will be needed.

4. Immigration Reform
a) Monitor and evaluate any legislation related to immigration at the state and federal level.
b) Explore the possibility of allowing currently licensed drivers that may not have proper documentation under the current ‘Real ID” Act to renew their driver’s license.
c) Monitor and support efforts by ANLA, PLANET, SAF or other national green industry trade associations to lobbying for or in traduce comprehensive immigration reform or other measures that would support the immigrant workforce of the green industry.

5. Promotion of Green Industry Goods and Services
a) Continue to seek funding for promotion of the North Carolina green industry to help it recover and grow from economic down turn conditions or other hardships based upon the significant contribution it makes to the economy of NC.

6. Monitor any legislation at both the state and federal level involving
a) - Pesticide regulations. b) Invasive plants c) S.Q.D. issues d) Crop insurance
d) Energy policy e) Employee benefits f) Health care g) Estate tax
h) EPA Water Sense I) EPA Sustainable Sites Initiative j) Labor related issues

7. Protect current funding for the Center for Turfgrass Environmental Research and Education (CENTERE) at NCSU

8. Continue to lend our stragjc support to NCDA and NCSU.

9. Remain vjgilant of any other issues or legislation that could cause hardship to the North Carolina green industry.

10. Identify and promote “one line” legislation to advance the green industry of NC
a) Energy tax credits b) specialty license plate c) smart irrigation month d)Outdoor water efficiency pilot programs