Spotlight on the 2025 CLA & RISE Regulatory Conference

May 21, 2025 | Waterborne News | Nathan Snyder

This year’s CLA & RISE Regulatory Conference, hosted by CropLife America (CLA) and Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE), gathered professionals from across the agricultural and environmental sectors for an agenda packed with discussions on ongoing regulatory issues and new priorities emerging in light of the recent administrative changes in Washington. Waterborne's Nathan Snyder, Principal Agricultural Engineer, was in attendance throughout the Arlington, Virginia conference, from April 23 to 25.

Held annually, CLA & RISE is an opportunity to hear directly from key government staff, including representatives from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Pesticide Programs (EPA OPP). This year's topics focused on ensuring that pesticide use remains protective of ecological health while enabling productive agricultural practices. Nathan has reported back with his summary of this year's sessions:

Opening Remarks and Keynote:
The conference kicked off with opening commentary from CLA’s VP of Science Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Dr. Manojit Basu, and CLA President & CEO, Alexandra Dapolito Dunn, who outlined the organization’s 2025 policy priorities.

A compelling keynote was delivered by Dr. Lynn Ann Dekleva, Deputy Assistant Administrator of EPA’s Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention (OCSPP). Dr. Dekleva offered a forward-looking perspective on the future of pesticide regulation, highlighting emerging challenges and opportunities for innovation.

EPA OPP Leadership Panel:
A standout session for many attendees, including Nathan, was the return of the EPA OPP Leadership Panel, moderated by RISE President Megan Provost. The panel focused on EPA's commitment to serving both environmental protection goals and the regulated community’s needs through greater efficiency and transparency. The session provided valuable insights into OPP’s current priorities and collaborative efforts with stakeholders.

Technical Sessions:
On the more technical side, the conference featured significant updates related to:
- Endangered Species Act (ESA) mapping refinements
- Development of offset strategies and mitigation options
- Enhancements in risk assessment methodologies

CLA & RISE once again proved to be a valuable venue for fostering informed discussion, strategic alignment, and progress toward a sustainable future for our industry!