Golf groups, pesticide trade associations and other organizations that have alliances with the chemical industry have spent millions lobbying against pesticide reforms, according to an article from The Journal News. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and CropLife America are among the organizations that have reportedly paid significant amounts to federal lobbyists since 1999 to influence the political debate over pesticides and environmental issues. Golf groups maintain they need the chemicals to maintain their golf courses, according to the article.
The Waters of the United States rule adopted in 2014, which expanded waters that are subject to the jurisdiction of the EPA, has reportedly been the cause of the biggest battles and much of the spending. Lobbyists pushed bills and resolutions seeking to kill the rule, which President Obama vetoed, citing the need to protect vulnerable waters from upstream pollution sources, according to the article.
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