|
TNLA is thrilled to introduce our new "Working for You" Blog!
Stay updated on member events and news that impact the TNLA community. In addition, check out our Green Matters Weekly Newsletter for industry news |
|
LETHAL BRONZING UPDATE: BEXAR COUNTY ADDED TO TEXAS QUARANTINE LIST The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) has expanded its lethal bronzing quarantine areas, adding new regulated zones in Bexar County. Why it matters:The most notable development is the establishment of a new quarantine area in Bexar County, marking a significant expansion of lethal bronzing beyond the Gulf Coast's previously concentrated outbreak areas. TDA also added new quarantine zones in Kemah and Jamaica Beach in Galveston County. Lethal bronzing is a fatal palm disease spread by insect vectors and the movement of infected plant material. There is currently no cure once a palm becomes infected. Susceptible species include Canary Island date palms, Sabal palms, Queen palms, Mexican fan palms, and several other commonly planted landscape palms. What TNLA Members Should Know:
Looking Ahead TNLA will continue monitoring additional detections and quarantine expansions. The addition of Bexar County demonstrates that lethal bronzing is no longer solely a coastal concern and reinforces the importance of early detection and movement compliance across Texas.
0 Comments
Elections don’t just shape headlines: they shape how our businesses operate every day. From water regulations and labor policies to plant movement rules and local landscape ordinances: decisions made at the ballot box directly affect our green industry. As the 2026 election cycle approaches, Texas Nursery & Landscape Association (TNLA) is committed to making sure our members are informed, prepared, and empowered to participate. This guide breaks down why these elections matter, what races and deadlines to know, and how you can help ensure our industry’s voice is heard. Why Elections Matter to the Green Industry Policy decisions made at every level impact how our industry grows and operates.
Important Congressional Races to Watch The 2026 congressional elections in Texas will feature major races, but they’re also being shaped by unusual turnover and redistricting that could significantly change the state’s representation. So far, nine Texas members of Congress are not seeking re-election, creating many open seats. Without incumbents on the ballot, these races are expected to be more competitive and closely watched, giving voters greater influence over who represents them in Washington. At the same time, mid-decade redistricting has redrawn district boundaries across Texas, forcing some incumbents to step aside and reshaping the political landscape. Together, retirements and redistricting have turned Texas into a high-stakes battleground in 2026, one that could influence control of the U.S. House and federal policy decisions that matter to the green industry. Know What’s on Your Ballot Before heading to the polls, take time to review the candidates and issues you’ll be voting on. County election offices publish official sample ballots that reflect exactly what will appear on your ballot. For additional background and context, the Texas Tribune offers a primary ballot lookup tool to help voters see what races are on the ballot for the March primary: https://apps.texastribune.org/features/2026/texas-march-2026-primary-ballot/ Key Election Dates to RememberMark your calendar with these important deadlines for the March 3, 2026, Primary Election.
How You Can Help Strengthen Advocacy EffortsTNLA advocates for the green industry year-round, and member involvement plays an important role in helping us stay informed, responsive, and effective. When members share what they’re seeing and stay engaged, TNLA can identify issues earlier and advocate more proactively on behalf of the industry.
Member participation helps:
Here are a few ways you can help and stay involved: 1. Stay Informed TNLA regularly shares legislative and regulatory updates through the Hive Legislative & Regulatory Group. This group is a central place for timely information, advocacy updates, and opportunities to engage. 👉 Join or follow the group here: https://thehive.tnlaonline.org/topics/45449/feed 2. Share What You’re Seeing Many issues affecting our industry start at the local level. New ordinances, water restrictions, licensing changes, or regulatory concerns are often first noticed by members in their own communities. Members are encouraged to post and share observations in the Hive, not just read updates. TNLA staff actively monitor these conversations and use this insight to track trends and respond proactively. 3. Take Action When You Can Responding to action alerts, voting, and contacting elected officials all help amplify the green industry’s voice. Hearing directly from constituents who live and work in their districts helps policymakers better understand how decisions affect real businesses. If you’re ever unsure whether something is worth flagging, reach out. Advocacy works best as a two-way conversation, and no issue is too small to share. Working Together for a Stronger Industry Elections and policy decisions directly impact the future of Texas’s green industry. By staying informed, sharing what you’re seeing, and engaging when opportunities arise, you help ensure that industry perspectives are reflected in decision-making. Together, we can continue supporting policies that allow Texas’ green industry to grow and thrive. Questions or insights? Contact TNLA’s Legislative & Regulatory Affairs Team:
|
AuthorKim Cabrera, TNLA Marketing Manager Archives
July 2026
|
RSS Feed
