California News Archive

June 2, 2011

California State Senate passes legislation to ban antifouling paint containing copper

On a vote of 25 Ayes to 15 Noes, SB 623 was passed by the California State Senate.  The legislation now moves on to the California Assembly where it has been referred to the Committee on Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials.

May 26, 2011

Legislation to ban copper antifouling paint progresses

The California Senate Appropriations Committee passed SB 623 on a vote of 6 to 2 .  The legislation now proceeds to consideration by the full state Senate.  To contact your state Senator regarding this legislation please go to www.boatus.com/gov/caaction

May 3, 2011

California State Senate Committee Passes Ban on Copper Antifouling Paint

The bill was also re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration with a May 27th deadline for action. BoatU.S. will continue to monitor its status and provide updates on this web page.

As passed this legislation will:

After 1/1/2015: Bans the sale of new boats with copper bottom paint.
After 1/1/2019: Bans the use of antifouling paint containing copper on recreational boats.

April 29, 2011

California State Senate Committee to Consider Ban on Copper Antifouling Paint

The California State Legislature is about to consider a bill that, if passed, will ban copper antifouling paint for all recreational boats. Senate Bill 623 is being heard on Monday, May 2 at 11am by the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality.

If passed, Senate Bill 623:

• After 1/1/2015: Bans the sale of new boats with copper bottom paint.
• After 1/1/2019: Bans the use of antifouling paint containing copper on recreational boats.

We understand the origins and respect the good environmental intentions of this bill. BoatU.S. has been monitoring developments in alternative antifouling paints for more than a decade. As a result, our concerns include:

• Few choices: In March 2011 “Practical Sailor” analyzed 62 antifouling paints, 12 of which contain no copper. In terms of performance, one non-copper paint (which contained zinc) rated “excellent”, one rated “fair", and ten rated “poor.”
• Invasive species control: Copper paints currently serve as the #1 defense against invasive species transfer from hulls to waterways.
• This ban would only apply to recreational boats, which may not provide a large enough market to stimulate research and development on alternative coatings. Commercial and military vessels will continue to use copper paints.

We recognize there are many opinions about this bill, and encourage you to contact your state Senator to express your own views. BoatU.S. encourages innovation in antifouling paint and we hope that sustainable solutions for boaters and the environment can be found. BoatU.S. is working with our partners at Recreational Boaters of California (RBOC) on this issue, and they will be testifying at the hearing on Monday.

To read the bill:

California State Senate Bill 623

To contact your state senator regarding this legislation:

BoatUS.com/gov/caaction

April 7, 2011

New Life Jacket Rule at Pine Flat Lake, California

Jumping off your boat for a swim in Pine Flat Lake, California without a life jacket? As of April 1, 2011, anyone found swimming more than 100 feet from shore without a life jacket – including boaters who routinely jump in to try to beat 100-degree-plus temperatures – could result in a $175 fine as part of the new life jacket regulations put in the place by the US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which manages the lake.

In addition to life jackets now being mandatory for all swimmers outside of designated swim areas, new USACE regulations say that US Coast Guard approved life jackets must be worn by:

• Everyone aboard all non-motorized vessels, regardless of length, at all times.
• Everyone aboard motorized vessels up to 16-feet in length, at all times.
• Everyone aboard motorized vessels 16-feet in length or larger when underway (except when powered by trolling motor or if you are inside a fully-enclosed cabin or the boat is stationary.)
  

Boaters are encouraged to share their thoughts about these requirements by sending emails to the Park Manager and their Members of Congress by going to www.boatus.com/gov/action

July 28, 2009

Update: Cal Boating Preserved in State Budget Revision - Issue May Resurface in August

“RBOC declares victory that the Department of Boating and Waterways [Cal Boating] is preserved,” said Dave Breninger, RBOC President. This occurs as Governor Schwarzenegger has signed into law today legislation to resolve a $26 billion shortfall in the
current state budget.  Click here to learn more. 

July 22, 2009

Update on Department of Boating and Waterways:

California’s growing budget crisis continues, without any easy answers.  DBW has survived the summer budget heat because of significant support from Recreational Boaters of California, boat clubs, and individual boaters.  Boaters are encouraged to continue to let their elected state officials know the importance of DBW, which is 100% funded by boating fees.  Click here to learn more.

June 9 , 2009

Changes Proposed at Dana Point Harbor Could Hamper Boating

The Coastal Commission Staff have issued the following Project Description:

In the proposed City of Dana Point Amendment request, the City proposes to amend the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan to incorporate the proposed Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan (replacing those sections of the Dana Point Specific Plan relevant to the Dana Point Harbor (1986 LCP), that would establish new land use designations and boundaries throughout the harbor; expand allowable development by approximately 153,000 square feet (all uses) including commercial development (+7,300 square feet retail/+50,000 square feet restaurant), enlarged hotel (136 rooms to 220 rooms) plus conference facilities, new marine retail (9,100 square feet), among other expanded uses; change parking requirements; reduce space allocated for surface boat storage; and change height limits to allow for 65 ft. high dry stack storage building for 400 boats and up to 60 ft. high commercial buildings.

For more information and background, visit:  www.boaters4dph.com

Here’s the meeting information:
Meeting Host: California Coastal Commission
Where: Marina Del Rey Hotel, 13534 Bali Way, Marina del Rey, CA  90292
When: Thursday, June 11, 2009 starting at 9:00 AM

If you can’t make it to the meeting, but you want to help, sign a petition, found at:  http://www.boaters4dph.com/Petition.htm

Now is the time to act if you want to make a difference and protect your local boating access.

            Sincerely,

Margaret Podlich, Vice President, Government Affairs

May 13 , 2009

Dear BoatUS Member,

In just two days, on May 14, the California Senate Budget Subcommittee will vote on a critical proposal that could alter the future of boating in your state. Cal Boating, your state's boating agency, could be dismantled and boaters will lose a department that works on your behalf, for boating safety and infrastructure. Please take a minute, right now to call your state Senator and ask for their vote to save Cal Boating.

Action Needed
You can find out more about the issue, and a sample message, at: http://www.rboc.org/call_to_arms.html. We can't let Cal Boating - and your boating dollars - get swallowed up in state bureaucracy. But time is running out so, please telephone your senator or send an e-mail message today. (If you need phone numbers, go to: http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/yourleg.html)

April 22, 2009

BOAT INSPECTION FEES TAKE EFFECT IN JUNE AT LAKE TAHOE: Click here to learn more!

February 26, 2009: Governor Borrows $29 Million from Boating Fund

Excerpt from Bill:

"SEC. 14. Item 3680-011-0516 is added to Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 2008, to read: 3680-011-0516--For transfer by the Controller, upon order of the Director of Finance, from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to the General Fund......... (29,000,000) "

To view the article click here.

To view entire bill click here.