Nielsen named to EPA Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee

Robert Nielsen, a certified golf course superintendent at New York’s Bedford Golf & Tennis Club, has been named to the EPA’s Office of Pesticide Program’s Pesticide Program Dialogue Committee. Nielsen will serve on the federal advisory committee in 2024 and 2025. He takes over the committee position from Mark Johnson, GCSAA director of environmental programs, who served from 2020 to 2023.

Established in 1995, the PPDC is a diverse group of stakeholders chartered under the Federal Advisory Committee Act to provide feedback to EPA on various pesticide regulatory, policy and program implementation issues.

The PPDC is comprised of 43 members from environmental and public interest groups, pesticide manufacturers, trade associations, commodity groups, public health and academic institutions, tribes, federal and state agencies and the public. Other groups represented on the committee include the American Bird Conservancy, Center for Biological Diversity, CDC National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Tribal Pesticide Program Council, USDA Office of Pest Management Policy, Pollinator Partnership and Weed Science Society of America.

“Bob brings a wealth of knowledge and first-hand experience to the PPDC, and he’ll be able to share the environmental best practices that superintendents engage in every day,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “His appointment means that GCSAA members will continue to have a voice on this crucial EPA committee.”

Nielsen has worked for 40 years in golf course management and is currently the vice president of the New York State Turfgrass Association and president of the New York Golf Course Environmental Foundation. He has been instrumental in promoting the widespread adoption of GCSAA’s Best Management Practices at golf courses in New York state.

“I am honored and privileged to serve on this committee,” Nielsen said. “I look forward to working with this diverse group to bring our environmental message to the table.”