Not too long ago I had the opportunity to hear Dan Gardner, author of "Risk: The Science of Politics and Fear" speak. Mr. Gardner spoke about risk perception and the different ways our society is influenced to think about certain topics. Our industry can sometimes get caught in the middle of positive and negative perceptions. However, you know the work you're doing is vital to helping keep communities and the environment healthy, so how can you share with the public the positive attributes of your business in the face of new regulations and legislation? Talking with customers about the benefits from the products you use is one of the best ways to balance the discussion.

The Environmental Protection Agency and Army Corps of Engineers published April 21, a proposed rule to expand the definition of "waters of the U.S." under the Clean Water Act. Expanded CWA jurisdiction will affect your everyday business practices, limiting where you can apply fertilizer and pesticide products on private and public property. Regulated waters will include ditches, golf course ponds, and man-made and man-altered water bodies. Under this rule, EPA could compel states to place restrictions on the amount or type of fertilizer that can be used on public and private property including individual home lawns, gardens, parks and golf courses. You may be required to obtain costly permits to make applications near any water, no matter the size, if this rule is to pass.

EPA's and the Corps' proposed rule will affect every American. Your customers need to know how this rule affects them and the ways your services could be affected. I know clean water is important to you, and you can help positively influence federal policy by sharing your story about the important work you do to keep the public and environment healthy and safe. You have the power to change the public's perception and impact policy decisions about the products you use by highlighting the benefits they provide.

We are working to raise awareness among policy makers about the implications of this Clean Water Act expansion. We are requesting an extension of the rule's 90-day comment period and we are forming our comments and talking points. If you would like to get more involved with us and work more closely on this issue, you can join our grassroots network and gain access to our talking points and other helpful resources. As a part of our network, you'll have the opportunity in the coming months to submit comments into the Federal Register, voicing your concerns about the proposed rule and how it affects your business and the benefits you provide to your community. You can sign up for our grassroots network at www.pestfacts.org/grassroots. To learn more about this issue and how you can help, email me at rise@pestfacts.org.