“Sue the Beaver?” Inside the Tree Industry’s Insightful Meeting with AG Alan Wilson
“Obviously, when there’s an increase in demand and a decrease in the supply of something, the cost is going to go up… I’m not going to prosecute people for abiding by the laws of economics.”
It started with a story about a beaver chewing through a tree on a sunny day in Atlanta causing it to fall on the house. It ended with one of the most productive conversations the ATCP has ever had regarding government regulation. When our leadership team, including Vice President Stephan LeBlanc and President Joe Whitledge, met with South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson this week, the mood was light General Wilson even joked about whether the homeowner “sued the beaver” or if the beaver had an estate but the results for our members were serious business.
We went into this meeting to bridge the gap between our industry and state regulators. What we walked away with was a powerful and clear understanding of where the state stands on the tricky issue of price gouging.
Defining “Unconscionable”
Every tree care professional knows the stress of storm work. You rush to a disaster zone, you work dangerous hours, and then you worry about being accused of price gouging simply for charging what the job is worth. During our call, we tackled this head on. Attorney General Wilson was refreshing in his honesty. He acknowledged that state laws regarding “unconscionable” price increases are often vague and undefined.
However, he made a distinction that every ATCP member needs to hear. He understands the difference between a bad actor exploiting a tragedy and a legitimate business responding to a supply and demand crisis. He explicitly stated that his office is not looking to punish businesses for the natural economic reality that when demand spikes and supply drops, prices must increase.
The ATCP Advantage
This is where our commitment to ethics pays off. We explained to the Attorney General how ATCP members operate differently. We discussed our educational push for members to have two predetermined sets of rates: one for standard work and one for emergency response. This ensures that when a storm hits, our members aren’t scrambling to make up numbers; they are executing a plan.
The Attorney General’s reaction was incredibly positive. By showing that we are self regulating and prioritizing consumer education, we position ourselves as allies to the state rather than problems to be solved. This meeting proved that when we lead with professionalism, government officials are eager to listen and work with us.
A Powerful Ally
The most exciting development came at the end of the call. Attorney General Wilson didn’t just listen; he offered to help. He expressed a willingness to connect the ATCP with Attorneys General in other states where our members operate. This is a massive win for our advocacy efforts. having a sitting Attorney General willing to broker relationships for us is a testament to the credibility the ATCP is building.
Whether it is a beaver dropping a tree on a sunny day or a hurricane devastating a coast, the complexities of insurance and billing will always be there. But now, thanks to this meeting, we know we have an open door in South Carolina and a template for success across the nation.
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This is why the ATCP exists. We are fighting to make sure your business is protected, your profession is respected, and your voice is heard at the highest levels of government. We are clearing the way so you can focus on what you do best.
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