GreenCo reps attend Day on the Hill to advocate for a brighter tomorrow

On March 20, Green Industries of Colorado (GreenCo) representatives attended Colorado Day on the Hill, an important opportunity to meet and hear from Colorado legislators and other state officials and a key event to show GreenCO's strength and support for lobbying activities.

“This event is to let our members know how to pull legislators off the floor and what to discuss with them. Many legislators are educated here on who we are and what we do,” says Stefan Stathopolos of Hicks & Associates.

The industry’s active participation in advocacy can make all the difference. ALCC-GreenCO’s annual visit to the Colorado Capitol presents a crucial opportunity to join forces with like-minded professionals and champion our industry’s interests. ALCC and its GreenCO partners are actively working on several key issues, including pesticides, turf replacement and small gas engine conversion, that could impact your business.

“It is crucial for small and large companies to be involved,” says ALCC CEO John McMahon, who gave a briefing on  legislation impacting landscape businesses in Colorado. Many small businesses are concerned about HB24-1178, which would layer more than 100 local regulations on top of existing state laws regulating pesticide application.

“ALCC offers members a chance to show up en masse and advocate for the green industry, while connecting directly with representatives, to keep our state's garden and landscape interests at the forefront of policy decisions,” says ALCC member Ellen Becker, founder of Floral Culture. “We look forward to more opportunities to represent green interest and participate in a meaningful way in further industry development. Moving forward, we would like to continue to see a strong presence by our GreenCO lobbyists on Capitol Hill and support their efforts to keep lawmakers abreast of the challenges we face in the industry. Pesticide regulation, as well as, work visa complications and water restrictions, have a direct impact on the services we provide to our clients.”

Together, we can drive positive change and ensure a vibrant future for our industry.

Here's why your involvement is paramount:

1. Empowerment Through Education: Dive deep into the legislative process and gain invaluable insights into how policies are shaped. Arm yourself with the knowledge to effectively advocate for the issues that matter most to GreenCO.

2. Direct Engagement with Decision-makers: Your voice matters, and this event offers a direct line of communication with legislators. Seize the opportunity to express your concerns, share your expertise and influence decision-making at the highest level.

3. Strategic Preparation for Impact: We'll provide comprehensive briefing materials and equip you with persuasive talking points on current bills. Be prepared to make a compelling case for the changes our industry needs.

4. Experience Democracy in Action: Step into the chambers and witness firsthand the legislative process at work. By observing the Senate or House in action, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms driving policy decisions.

5. Collaboration and Networking: Connect with fellow advocates and industry leaders who share your commitment to advancing our collective interests. Forge alliances, share best practices and amplify our impact through unified action.

6. Exclusive Access to Decision-makers: Enjoy a box lunch while engaging in meaningful conversations with legislators who are dedicated to addressing the concerns of GreenCO members. Your insights and perspectives are invaluable in shaping future policies.

Save the Date: H-2B Fly-in

ALCC will join NALP on May 21 and May 22 in Washington, D.C., for our annual “fly-in.” Colorado’s landscape community needs to meet with its representatives to keep the pressure on. There are many new staffers we need to educate, and our representatives need to understand that labor shortages continue in Colorado. Please save the date and let ALCC know if you plan to attend. 

This fly-in will be very similar to those in the past. We will provide you with lots of information, and ALCC will schedule meetings for you. More details will be provided as the date gets closer.

Tuesday, May 21

• 5-7 p.m.: Drinks (location TBD)
• Dinner on own *we will organize dine arounds upon request)

Wednesday, May 22

• 7-8:30 a.m.: Breakfast and briefing (location TBD)
• 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.: Congressional visits on the Hill

We will do our best not to book meetings past 3 p.m. so you can fly home in the evening. We want to minimize your time away from your company and family, but this is a crucial time to advocate for H-2B reforms.

This is a free event, but you do need to cover your expenses for hotel and transportation to Washington, D.C. We will provide drinks on Tuesday and breakfast on Wednesday morning, we will be providing breakfast in the morning. 

For more information, reach out to John McMahon, [email protected]. 

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

2024 ALCC scholarship recipients announced

Turf replacement, pesticides  and construction defects top  2024 legislative agenda

The landscape industry in Colorado is facing a pivotal moment as the 2024 legislative session gets under way, with several bills introduced that directly affect the industry. Among the key highlights to date are Senate Bill 24-005 focusing on turf replacement, House Bill 24-1178 addressing pesticide regulation and Senate Bill 24-106 concerning construction defects.

The sheer volume of bills introduced— nearly 500—underscores the breadth and complexity of issues facing the landscape industry and the broader community. As the session unfolds, stakeholders must navigate this complex and evolving regulatory landscape, remaining vigilant, engaged and proactive in advocating for their interests. By working collaboratively with policymakers, advocacy groups and other stakeholders, ALCC/GreenCO is working to shape policies that promote sustainability, innovation and resilience in Colorado’s built and natural environments.

Turf replacement in recent years, turf replacement initiatives have gained traction across Colorado as part of efforts to conserve water resources and promote sustainable landscaping practices. While proponents applaud the environmental benefits of reducing water usage and increasing biodiversity, others in the landscape industry express concerns about potential economic impacts, fearing that turf replacement programs could negatively affect businesses specializing in lawn care and maintenance, leading to job losses and reduced revenue. Senate Bill 24-005 has emerged as a centerpiece of discussions surrounding water conservation and sustainable landscaping practices. The bill aims to incentivize replacing traditional turf grass with drought-tolerant alternatives, such as xeriscaping and native vegetation. Proponents argue that reducing turf grass can significantly decrease water usage, mitigate urban heat island effects and promote biodiversity, providing both environmental and economic benefits. However, questions remain about the practical implementation of turf replacement initiatives and the potential impact on property values and aesthetics. Stakeholders are engaging in robust debates to ensure the bill strikes the right balance between conservation goals and industry needs, emphasizing the importance of finding a middle ground that supports both environmental sustainability and the economic viability of the landscape industry.

Pesticide use The use of pesticides in landscaping continues to be a contentious issue in Colorado as stakeholders grapple with questions of public health, environmental impact and regulatory oversight. The landscape industry argues that pesticides are essential tools for controlling pests and maintaining plant health, particularly in commercial and large-scale landscaping projects. Balancing these competing interests requires a nuanced approach that considers the latest scientific research, stakeholder input and regulatory frameworks.

House Bill 24-1178 aims to strengthen regulations governing pesticide use in landscaping and agricultural activities. The bill seeks to enhance protections for public health and the environment by imposing stricter guidelines on pesticide application, monitoring and reporting. Proponents argue that tighter regulations are necessary to mitigate the adverse effects of pesticide exposure on human health, wildlife and ecosystems while also promoting alternative pest management strategies and reducing reliance on conventional pesticides.

However, stakeholders within the landscape industry express strong concerns about the potential impact on pest control efficacy, operational costs and regulatory compliance, highlighting the need for careful consideration and collaboration in addressing these complex issues.

Construction defects Construction defects are a critical issue for the landscape industry, particularly in the context of residential and commercial developments. Senate Bill 106 seeks to streamline the construction defect litigation process, enhance consumer protections and create a more conducive environment for development projects.

However, stakeholders—including contractors, developers and homeowners—offer diverse perspectives on the potential impacts of the proposed legislation. Finding consensus on issues such as liability, warranty provisions and dispute resolution mechanisms will be essential to advancing meaningful reforms that benefit all stakeholders, ensuring a fair and efficient framework for addressing construction defects in Colorado’s landscape industry.

Get involved The ALCC/GreenCO Legislative Committee has already reviewed over 20 pieces of legislation, exemplifying our proactive stance in addressing the landscape industry’s concerns. As the legislative session unfolds over the next 90 days, member involvement becomes paramount in shaping the outcomes of pivotal bills and advocating for our industry’s interests.

Active engagement with policymakers, providing input and staying informed about legislative developments are crucial steps members can take to influence the future of the landscape industry in Colorado. By collaborating and advocating together, we can navigate the intricacies of the legislative process and promote policies that foster sustainability, innovation and prosperity for all stakeholders.

For inquiries or further information, members are encouraged to reach out to ALCC/ GreenCO at [email protected].

Read more in this issue of Colorado Green Now:

2024 ALCC scholarship recipients announced

Day on the Hill