BoatUS.com: Government Affairs

Boaters, Marine and Tourism Interests Urged to Attend
City of Stuart/Martin County Draft Anchoring Ordinance Meeting Nov. 8

STUART, Fla. November 3, 2011 – Next week on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 9:00am the Board of County Commissioners will hold a hearing at the Martin County Commission Chambers at 2401 S.E. Monterey Road in Stuart to discuss the regulation of vessel anchoring in City of Stuart and Martin County waters. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is urging area boaters, cruisers and sailors, as well as those who benefit from boater spending, to attend this meeting to have their voices heard. Click here to read more.

The City of St. Augustine has submitted a proposed anchoring ordinance to the Florida Wildlife Commission as part of its participation in the state's mooring and anchoring pilot program. Boaters are encouraged to review the proposed ordinance at the FWC web site: http://myfwc.com/boating/anchoring-mooring/public-comment/ and submit their comments using the links on that page.

The Federal Communications Commission is requiring additional testing of the impact of the new broadband service being developed by LightSquared llc on GPS. Working in conjunction with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, LightSquared must resolve GPS interference concerns satisfactorily before commencing service. Click here to see a full copy of the notice.

The Coast Guard has issued a Marine Safety Alert urging all boats equipped with DSC VHF radios ensure that they have obtained an MMSI number and enter it into the radio. They also urge that boats that have GPS equipment onboard connect these devices too their DSC VHF radios if possible. Go here to see the Coast Guards Alert.

BoatU.S. members who only plan to operate in United States waters can obtain their free MMSI number by going to www. boatus.com/mmsi/

The comment period for the technical working group report on the LightSquared proposal and its impact on GPS has closed. Reply comments to issues raised in these original comments can be filed until August 15th at FCC.gov and search for proceeding number 11-109.

BoatU.S. Comments regarding LightSquared proposed broadband service and interference with GPS signals.

A recent FCC decision to allow high-speed internet and cell phone service to use frequencies close to existing GPS radio frequencies could disrupt GPS signals and cause severe interference to a wide range of GPS receivers, including those used by boaters. On January 26, the FCC gave conditional approval to a private company, LightSquared, to build 40,000 ground stations within the U.S. that would transmit high powered signals in the middle of the existing satellite band of frequencies. As part of that conditional approval, FCC required that additional testing and a report be prepared on the service's potential to interfere with the GPS signals. That report was completed on June 30th and raises significant concerns for boaters and other users of GPS. To see a copy of this report and for additional information go to the following links:

The following is an example of the potential area where GPS signals would be disrupted by the LightSquared service. Green shows area of interference at LightSquared's maximum authorized power levels. Red shows area of interference at LightSquared's proposed operating power levels.

BoatU.S. has sent letters to the leadership of the United States House of Representatives and Senate regarding proposals to no longer allow the interest paid on boats that are used as second homes to be tax deductible. We recognize the serious fiscal issues our nation faces and we fully understand the need to consider all of the revenue options available, including this tax deduction. However, it is not appropriate to single out recreational boats while keeping RVs, lake cabins, and ski condos eligible for the tax deduction. If Congress wishes to raise money through a change in the second home mortgage interest deduction, it should apply universally and not unfairly penalize Americans who choose boating as their family recreation. Click here to see a copy of the BoatU.S. letter.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued its final rule regarding measures that must be taken to prevent the mis-fueling of boats, cars older than model year 2001 and other non-road engines with gasoline containing greater than 10% ethanol. All fuel pumps dispensing E15 will be required to display the following label:

Several federal and state regulatory steps must still be completed before boaters will see E15 at the fuel pump. To see the EPA notice click here.

A bi-partisan coalition of Congressmen have urged the FCC to carefully review it recent conditional waiver for LightSquared to introduce a new broadband internet service that could potentially cause interference with the GPS signal. Click here to see a copy of their letter.

BoatU.S. comments on regulation of recreational vessels under the Clean Water Act

In response to the EPA call for stakeholder input regarding potential new regulations of the recreational vessels under the Clean Water Act, BoatU.S. has submitted the following comments:

It is anticipated that EPA will continue to develop these potential new requirements over the next year. We will post more information as it becomes available.

Boaters are reminded they have until June 2nd, 2011 to make comments to the EPA regarding how it should go about implementing certain portions of the Clean Boating Act. Click here to see a copy of the Federal Register notice on this topic.

Testing of new cell phone service could cause GPS interference in Nevada from May 16, 2011 until May 27, 2011

A company called LightSquared is conducting tests on a new cell phone system that has the potential to interfere with GPS signals. The Federal Aviation Administration is warning pilots within a 115nm radius of Boulder City Nevada that GPS signals could be unreliable. Click here to see a copy of the FAA warning.

Boaters in this area should also exercise caution in relying on GPS as a source of navigation information. If you experience any problems with the GPS system please notify BoatU.S. Government affairs at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Boater can also submit comments to EPA on their current voluntary clean boating techniques and how they can be incorporated into any future "management practices" until June 2nd, 2011 at CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV

Over the weekend, the US Coast Guard’s National Boating Safety Advisory Council met to develop a mandatory life jacket wear recommendation for the US Coast Guard. Since this Council was asked to consider this idea by the Coast Guard nearly a year ago, there has been considerable debate and research into the pro’s and con’s of such a potential mandate that would impact all ages of boaters. While there are some people who feel that every life is worth saving at any cost, there are others who feel that adults on most boats should be left to make the “when to wear it” decision for themselves. In the end, a resolution was passed with a 16 to 5 vote. This resolution recommends that the U.S. Coast Guard develop regulations (with substantial public comment opportunity) to require that while underway, a USCG approved life jacket is worn by all boaters aboard:

BoatU.S. has been actively engaged in this debate over the last year, and will remain so. Stay tuned for future opportunities to weigh in on this important matter.

In response to the Clean Boating Act passed in 2008, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is holding listening session on clean boating practices. For additional information please visit www.boatus.com/gov/cba

Joining with other marine and non-road engine groups, BoatU.S. has petition the EPA to ensure the continued availability of E10 in the marketplace.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency is holding public listening sessions as they develop regulations and best management practices to implement the Clean Boating Act. Two live sessions have been scheduled as well as several "webinars" to gather boaters' perspectives on clean boating techniques that are practical for everyday boating.

A specific list of the proposed requirements is not yet available. We do know that sewage will not be discussed or covered – it’s part of a different law. It appears that EPA is looking at several broad categories of vessel discharges (including the use of antifouling paints and zincs, gray water (from showers and sinks), bilge water (with concern about oil and grease, which is already illegal to discharge), the use of cleaning products, disposal of garbage and fishing waste, and the transport of invasive species.

Boaters need to help EPA understand that that any new mandatory “best management practices” must be based in science, and should be both practical and realistic on actual boats.

For clean boating tips and techniques visit the BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety & Clean Water's clean boating web page : Foundation Clean Boating

U.S. Coast Guard issues a statement directed at all recreational vessels considering transiting the Gulf of Aden or Arabian Sea.

As part of legislation to fund the government through the remainder of FY 11, the U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment that would limit E15. Specifically the amendment would "...prohibits the use of funds to implement the decision of the Administrator of the EPA entitled `Partial Grant of Clean Air Act Waiver Application Submitted by Growth Energy to Increase the Allowable Ethanol Content of Gasoline to 15 percent'' was included in the budget continuing resolution. This legislation will need to be negotiated with the Senate and then signed by the President before it could become law.

A recent ruling by the United States Environmental Protection Agency could lead to more ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. The Agency has expanded the waiver it granted last fall to allow additional automobiles to be fueled with E15. Under the recent ruling, cars from model years 2001 and newer can use fuel with the higher ethanol levels. It is still illegal to use any fuel with greater than 10% ethanol in other power applications, including marine engines.

A number of additional regulatory steps will need to be completed before E15 appears in the marketplace. Boaters are cautioned to always determine what fuel is being dispensed before it is placed in their boat.

BoatU.S. Comments on EPA regulations to mitigate misfueling of boat engines with E15

BoatU.S. recently submitted comments to the Environmental Protections Agency in response to a proposed rulemaking designed to mitigate the impact misfueling with E15 in to engines for which it is not approved. This rule is necessitated by the recent approval of higher levels of ethanol in the nation's fuel supply. For a copy of the comments go to the following web link:

Starting January 1, 2011 anglers in New Jersey, Hawaii, USVI and Puerto Rico will need to pay a $15.00 fee to register or renew their registration with the NOAA national saltwater angler registry. Saltwater licence in other states already comply with the Federal requirements. For additional information go here.

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued a decision to allow the use of E15, gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol, in model year 2007 and newer automobiles. This is one step in the process of allowing more ethanol in the nation's fuel supply.

It is also expected that a decision on the use of E15 in model years 2001 to 2006 automobiles will be issued in November. No decision was made on the use of E15 in other engines, including boat engines.

In response to a call to action by BoatU.S. over 15,000 boaters have sent messages to President Obama about allowing higher levels of ethanol in the nation's gasoline supply. It is expect that the EPA will issue a response to a petition by Growth Energy in the next few days.

Last year, Growth Energy, a coalition of ethanol companies, asked the federal EPA to allow an increase in ethanol in our country’s gasoline. Currently, the maximum allowed is 10% ethanol (E10); their request was up to 15% ethanol (E15). Tens of thousands of public comments were sent to EPA, with an estimated 35,000 comments from boaters and the marine industry. The predominant sentiment: the government needs to understand what higher blends will do to existing engines before they accept this new fuel blend.

All summer, we’ve anticipated the EPA’s decision on this topic, which could be made literally any day now. As of today, the EPA is expected to approve a partial waiver, that is to allow gasoline with 50% more ethanol (E15) for some vehicles (perhaps 2007 and newer), and to continue to have E10 for every other gasoline engine.

It remains to be seen how exactly a dual-fuel scenario would look at your local gas dock, or gas station. If there are two blends of ethanol available, along with multiple octane to chose from, consumers are set up with more decisions to make, and there is a much larger possibility of mis-fueling. Would all users be able to find what fuel they are looking for at their local pump? One possibility is that E10 is only blended into 93 octane “premium” fuel. Not only would this push boaters to buy a more expensive fuel than usual, but some boat engines manufacturers advise against the higher octane fuels.

BoatU.S. appreciates and embraces the need to diversify our country’s fuel and energy sources. However, we are concerned that EPA may put “the cart before the horse” by granting increased ethanol before we know what it will do in our marine engines.

If you believe in “science first,” now is the time to urge President Obama to require the federal EPA to understand the effects of higher blends of ethanol before allowing it in our country’s gasoline supply. Members can go to Follow The Science to send a message directly to the White House. For additional back ground on this issue go here.

In response to a recent petition by several groups requesting the Environmental Protection Agency ban the sale of lead fishing tackle, BoatU.S. has requested the Administration reject this proposal. For a copy of our letter to the EPA Administrator go here.

BoatU.S. comments on proposed changes to anchoring in Biscayne National Park

To see BoatU.S. comments on the proposed changes to anchoring and mooring in Biscayne National Park go to the following link:

For information on proposed changes to anchoring and mooring in Biscayne National Park please go here.

BoatU.S. joins broad industry coalition calling for science first when deciding on more ethanol in fuel

BoatU.S. joined 35 other organizations in sending a message to Majority Leader Harry Reid regarding efforts to force EPA to allow higher levels of ethanol in the nation's fuel supply. For a copy of the letter please go to the following link:

In a recent letter to Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, BoatU.S. expressed our support for legislation being introduced that will bolster the America's Waterway Watch (AWW) program. For additional information on AWW go to the following link:

Recently questions have been raised about the carriage of small CO2 cylinders for inflatable life jackets onboard airlines. Boaters who depend on these important safety devices want a clear understanding of what is permitted before departing for their next trip.

According to the Transportation Security Administration’s web site it is permitted to carry two CO2 cylinders attached to the life jacket and two spare cylinders in either carry on or in checked baggage. The cylinders and life jacket must be presented as a unit. Go to the following link for the TSA brochure:

While they are specifically permitted, there have been reports of TSA screening personnel at security check points prohibiting these life jackets with CO2 cylinders in carry on luggage. To avoid any issues it is suggested that inflatable life jackets be placed in checked baggage along with a copy of the TSA brochure. If you do carry on, be prepared that it might be challenged at the security check point. Please let BoatU.S. know if you encounter this situation so we can work with the TSA to educate their employees. Please send an email with as much detail about the incident to govtaffairs@boatus.com.

About 75% of the gasoline available in the US now contains ethanol, at up to 10% concentration. Last year, Growth Energy, a group of ethanol manufacturers, formally asked EPA to consider allowing up to 15% ethanol in our country’s fuel stream. In the Renewable Fuels Act of 2007, the ethanol industry was mandated by law to produce more ethanol, and now the manufacturers say they are facing a “blend wall” where they can not sell all that they are required to produce.

EPA opened an official comment period on Growth Energy’s request on April 16th, 2009, and received tens of thousands of comments. Many of these comments were from boaters and the marine industry, asking for EPA to understand what effect increased ethanol will have on marine engines, before allowing a different fuel. There is a wide array of organizations concerned about more ethanol in fuel, including BoatU.S., much of the marine industry, outdoor power equipment users, food growers and some car manufacturers.

EPA has said that they expect to make a determination on the higher blend of fuel by late summer.

In Congress, S. 1666, The Mid Level Ethanol Blends Act, introduced by Senator Susan Collins from Maine, calls for EPA to report to Congress on the impact of the introduction of higher levels of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. This bill now carries 6 additional cosponsors, including Senator Richard Burr (NC), Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Senator Mary Landrieu (LA), Senator David Vitter (LA), Senator Jim Webb (VA), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI). We encourage anyone concerned about getting the facts before more ethanol is allowed in our fuel to ask your Senator to sign on to this bill. Go to:

Select your state to determine your senators.
Your message should include the following:

• The current 10-percent ethanol blend known as E-10 has caused significant problems for marine engines and boat fuel systems, in some cases necessitating expensive replacement of in-hull fiberglass fuel tanks.
• EPA should not approve E-15 before doing a through study of its impact on marine and other non-road engines.
• No boat in use or on the market today has been designed — or is warranted — to run fuel with greater than 10-percent ethanol.

The Illinois House of Representatives rejected the proposed legislation, SB 3060, that would have required the sole occupant of a boat less than 26' in length to wear a life jacket. The vote was 32 yeas and 73 nays, soundly rejecting this proposal. This legislation will now be tabled for 2010 but could reappear in future legislatures.

BoatU.S. members are urged to contact their state representatives regarding legislation that would require boaters who are the sole occupant of a boat less than 26' in length wear a life jacket.

BoatU.S. members are urged to contact their state representatives regarding legislation that will help lower costs for waterfront business such as marinas and boat yards. Please click here for our full Florida action alert.

Boaters should ask their Senators to sponsor S. 1666, legislation to require the Administrator of the EPA to satisfy certain conditions before allowing higher levels of ethanol in the fuel supply.

Ask your two Senators to sponsor S. 1666, legislation introduced by Senator Collins of Maine, that would require EPA to perform testing and report on the impact of mid-level ethanol blends on non-road engines which includes boat motors. A copy of this legislation can be found here. You can find contact information for your Senators at the following web link:

You could also request your member of the House of Representative sponsor similar legislation. To find out who is your Representative go to the following web link:

BoatU.S. has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency regarding a draft report to Congress on discharges incidental to normal operation of commercial fishing vessels and other non-recreational vessels less than 79’. Click here to review the comments.

BoatU.S. Comments on Coast Guard policy for nationwide sharing of information from automatic identification system broadcasts

BoatU.S. has submitted comments to the United States Coast Guard on its proposed policy for the sharing of information it gathers via the nationwide automatic identification system. A copy of the proposed policy can be found here. BoatU.S. comments can be found here.

BoatU.S. Comments on Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning

BoatU.S. has submitted comments to the White House Council on Environmental Quality on its Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. A copy of the comments can be found here.

Effective February 8, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin decommissioning Loran-C radio navigation stations as “obsolete technology.” The cost-cutting measure called for in the President’s fiscal 2010 budget is justified, the agency says, because the global positioning system, or GPS, has effectively replaced Loran-C. The Canadian Coast Guard is following suit and all stations should go dark by October.

The exception to the termination program now underway is U.S. and Canadian stations operated under international agreements, including with Russia (Bering Sea), which will operate “temporarily,” according the agency.

Congress is considering a number bills related to ocean management that could impact recreational boating and fishing. BoatU.S. is monitoring these bills on an active basis. Click here for a summary of current legislation.

December 9, 2009

The Ethanol Debate, Part Two
Margaret Podlich of BoatU.S. Argues Against E15

As the EPA considers whether to raise the limit for ethanol in blended gasoline to 15 percent, Margaret Podlich, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for BoatU.S., argues that more testing is needed first.

Recorded: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Running Time: 30 minutes

Download

BoatU.S. testifies before the House Coast Guard & Maritime Transportation Subcommittee regarding Maritime Domain Awareness and potential requirements that boats carry airplane style transponders

Airplane transponders allow air traffic controllers to “see” who is in the sky. In speaking before the US House of Representatives Coast Guard Subcommittee, BoatU.S. testified that any potential requirement for this type of technology on boats is not practical, nor would it reduce the threat of a waterborne attack.

BoatU.S. believes the U.S. Coast Guard would have better results addressing the small boat threat if the agency’s own America's Waterway Watch program (AWW) had better funding and infrastructure support. Similar to a neighborhood watch program, America’s Waterway Watch treats boaters as part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed a decision on a petition from the ethanol industry to allow a greater amount of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. A BoatU.S. statement about this decision can be found here: EPA Delays Decision on Ethanol Press Release

The United States Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers has notified the public that the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal will be closed starting December 2nd for four or five days. The closure is to allow maintenance of the electronic fish dispersal barrier. No recreational or commercial vessels will be allowed to transit the area during the closure.

A bill now in Congress, S. 1666, could help ensure that all ethanol-blended gasoline sold is compatible with boat engines currently in use as well all other types of gasoline engines.

S.1666, the “Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009” requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study the compatibility of blended fuels with current engines and fuel systems before it could allow ethanol concentrations higher than 10-percent.

The current, 10-percent ethanol blend known as E-10 has caused significant problems for marine engines and boat fuel systems, in some cases necessitating expensive replacement of in-hull fiberglass fuel tanks. No boat in use or on the market today has been designed — or is warranted — to run fuel with greater than 10-percent ethanol.

S. 1666 is supported by BoatU.S. and a diverse coalition of organizations, including environmental groups, engine manufacturers, food groups, consumer groups, and refiners. To ask your Senators to cosponsor S. 1666, go to this link.

For more information on the ethanol problem, see National Marine Manufactures Association information web site at this link.

The Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force recommend broad changes in how the government manages federal waters. These changes could affect recreational boater access both to and on the water. Click here for comments filed by BoatU.S. on the report from the President's Council on Environmental Quality.

September 11, 2009

Great News for Great Loop Cruisers: Coast Guard To Allow Recreational Boats To Transit The Chicago Ship Canal Fish Barrier

Following several weeks of effort by BoatU.S. and the America's Great Loop Cruisers Association, new procedures were announced today by the U.S. Coast Guard to reopen the Chicago Ship Channel electric fish barrier. Since the middle of August unescorted recreational boats have been prohibited from moving through this area due to an increase in its voltage.

BoatU.S. greatly appreciates the coordination of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers to both prevent Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes and to accommodate continued navigation by recreational and commercial boats.

There are specific safety requirements and no boats under 20' are allowed. Click here for information from the Coast Guard on these procedures.

September 11, 2009

National Park Service Proposing Changes to Fisheries Management in Biscayne National Park

The National Park Service (NPS) is developing a new fisheries management plan for Biscayne National Park. Of the five proposed alternative plans, three of them could make significant changes in sport fishing regulations and would require all boats engaged in any recreational activity in the Park to have a recreational use permit.

Click here for additional information.

September 3, 2009

New Canadian Boater Education Requirement Could Impact U.S. Boaters

Effective September 15, 2009, Canada is requiring all operators of recreational craft in Canada obtain a “Pleasure Craft Operator Card.” It may or may not apply to boaters from the United States depending on several factors:

This requirement does apply to non-residents:

• If they operate their pleasure craft in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or,
•If they operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).

For non-residents who are required to comply with this requirement the following methods can be used to show proof of competency:

• A Canadian-issued pleasure craft operator card.
• A completed boat rental safety check-list (for power-driven rental boats).
• An operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements of their state or country.

Additional information can be found at the following web site: http://www.tc.gc.ca/marinesafety/debs/obs/quick/quick_visitor.htm

For more information on travel to and from Canada by boat, go to the following BoatU.S. web page: Customs and U.S. Border Travel Information for Recreational Boaters

July 28, 2009

NEW BoatU.S. Anchoring Information for Florida Cruisers!

For several years, certain local cities and counties in Florida have been restricting the length of time that boats are allowed to anchor. Legislative changes were made recently to Florida law which should increase the boater’s ability to anchor within Florida. Some changes take effect July 1, 2009 and others on October 1, 2009.

Unfortunately, many local law enforcement personnel appear to be unaware of the changes. Boaters continue to be told by some officials that they are subject to anchoring limits.

BoatU.S. has researched and written a fact sheet about the anchoring portions of the law, with citations. If you or a friend are cruising in Florida and intend to put down a hook, we strongly advise you to read this sheet and carry it with you on the boat. Click here for the Anchoring Information Sheet.

Ethanol-15 in Fuel - Comment period extended to July 20
Strong pro-ethanol advocates are pushing the Obama Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to increase ethanol levels in gasoline to 15% (E15). As you may have read in BoatU.S. Magazine, ethanol at the currently allowed 10% (E10) level has been shown to cause significant problems for some marine engines and boat fuel systems.

May 18, 2009

Comment Period Extended to July 20 - EPA has extended the comment period for E15 to July 20. Please take the time now to email EPA, if you haven’t already, asking them to test E15 before allowing it for use.

Click Here To read the BoatU.S. Article - A Serious Problem, A Corny Solution

Click Here To read Ethanol Industry's 15% Solution Raises Concern from May 8, 2009

Click Here To read Laboratory Will Not Certify Pumps for Gas With 15% Ethanol from May 8, 2009

Click Here To read EPA Considers Higher Ethanol Mix from April 17, 2009

Click Here To read A Slugfest Over Higher Ethanol Blends from March 6, 2009

Click here to view the March 26th, 2009 Coalition letter to EPA from BoatU.S. and others!

Click here to view BoatU.S. Press Release: Boaters Urged to Speak Up on Ethanol Increase Before July 20 Deadline

June 2009

USCG Appropriations Bill to Continue LORAN

S1194 preauthorizes the Coast Guard for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. Section 603 maintains LORAN-C and allows for the growth for eLORAN.

Working Waterfronts Bill Needs Congressional Co-sponsors

May 2009

A bill in Congress that would provide federal funding to coastal and Great Lakes states to help preserve and expand water access and protect their working waterfronts needs cosponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 2548, the Keep America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2009, introduced in May by Rep. Shellie Pingree, (D-ME), would provide matching grants through state coastal zone management programs to support “water dependent commercial activities.”

The bill, cosponsored by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA), incorporates key elements of a strategy to preserve access that attendees at the Working Waterways and Waterfronts symposium developed in May 2007 (see “Access Summit Shares Solutions,” BoatU.S. Magazine, July 2007). The bill is particularly timely in that it would amend the federal Coastal Zone Management Act, now up for congressional reauthorization.

Local governments to use grant funds could purchase a threatened marina outright or a non-profit entity could obtain a grant to buy development rights in order to keep a working boatyard in business, rather than see it sold for residential development.

Grants made under the Pingree bill must “provide for expansion or improvement of public access to coastal waters” and be matched at 25% by non-federal funds. The act would authorize $25 million, $50 million and $75 million to the states over three successive years.

Rep. Pingree is seeking cosponsors for H.R. 2548 and boaters can help get this landmark legislation passed by urging their own members of Congress to sign-on. To contact your member of Congress, click here.

March 2009

Big Ocean Bill Moving in Congress

A major piece of ocean legislation is moving through the 111th Congress and could get strong support after languishing in the last Congress.

The Ocean Conservation, Education And National Strategy for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 21), now simply dubbed “Oceans 21,” had its first hearing in the House June 18. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Sam Farr (D-CA), is based on policy recommendations put forth by the Pew Oceans Commission in 2003 and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy the following year.

The bill would, among other things, establish a national ocean policy, codify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as an independent federal agency, establish regional ocean governance models and create an ocean advisor to the president. To read the full bill text: Click Here

Click here to read testimony of witnesses in the June 18 hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee’s Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.

June 9, 2009

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.

Click here to read more

May 22, 2009

Effort to Preserve Cal Boating Continues after Proposal Taken off Agenda

Sacramento – Thanks to boaters' grassroots action the California Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee #2 removed from its May 14 meeting agenda the Governor’s proposed elimination of the independent Department of Boating and Waterways – known as Cal Boating.But it's far from over! Every Cal boater should write their Assembly Member and Senator.

Click here to view more!

Clear Lake, Texas

April 10, 2009

Workshop for Recreational Boaters to Contribute to Ocean Observing System Development in the Gulf of Mexico.

Click Here and scroll down to Texas for more details!

March 31, 2009

Florida Update

There is a new version of HB 1423, not yet available through the legislature web site, but click here to view all of it's 64 pages! (Remember that this bill format shows existing language in regular type. Deletions are shown crossed out while additions are underlined.)

BoatU.S. is in strong support of this legislation as it's written today, because it clarifies that the counties can work on the derelict vessel issue without hampering legitimate cruising. It also implements mandatory boating safety education for those born after January 1, 1988 and operation a boat with 10 hp or more. It repeals the FL fishing license shoreline exemption (so that FL anglers will not have o pay a second federal license fee.) It also sets up pilot mooring field projects with guidelines subject to a whole lot of public review.

Stand by as this issue continues to evolve.

April 7, 2009

Virginia No Discharge Zone Take Effect July 1, 2009

HB1774, which establishes a no discharge zone for vessels operating in designated areas, was signed by the Governor on 3/27 and will go into effect on July 1, 2009. Any vessels operating in these areas will be prohibited from discharging treated and untreated waste into the waters. However, the no discharge rule can only be established and enforced on tidal creeks where the US Environmental Protection Agency has determined that sufficient pumpout facilities exist for the removal of sewage.

March 19, 2009

Big Helping of Legislation on BoatU.S. Plate

Tallahassee bill includes boating safety, fishing licenses, and anchoring regulations

February 6, 2009

Action Needed: WA Boating Safety Funds in Jeopardy

Starting Monday, lawmakers in Olympia will vote on two bills, SB 5691 and HB 1848, that could jeopardize federal funding for boating safety programs that are critically important to Washington boaters.

These bills (which are identical) would move portions of current federal boating safety funds to more specifically focus on marine law enforcement programs. This would end up shortchanging other important boating safety and education programs. Additionally, according to the U.S. Coast Guard, it may jeopardize the State's Eligibility for this important federal funding.

Please contact your legislators now and ask them to vote NO on Senate Bill 5691 and House Bill 1848. Call the state legislative hotline; they’ll identify your legislators and leave messages for both the Senate and House.

Call now!

1-800-562-6000

M-F: 8 am to 8 pm, and Sat: 9 am to 1 pm

Click here and scroll to Washington for the rest of this statement from Margaret Podlich, V.P. of Government Affairs

To read the bills and see their status:

Senate: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5691&year=2009

House: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1848&year=2009

January 19, 2009

Boat Owners May Have Federal Tax Benefits Available

Recreational boat owners who paid state sales taxes on a boat purchase, or those who secured a bank loan to finance a boat, may have some tax deductions available when filing their 2008 federal income tax return.

Click Here for Full Details from the BoatU.S. News Room

July 30, 2008

EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats

President Bush Signs Clean Boating Act of 2008!

It's a great day for boating! Last night on the way home from Ohio on Air Force One, the President signed S. 2766 "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" into law. This picture shows Representatives Steven C. LaTourette (R-OH), a champion of this common sense legislation and Patrick Tiberi (R-OH). Thank you to the thousands of boaters nationwide who helped get this important bill passed into law!

To view a copy of S. 2766, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" Click Here.

Margaret Podlich

VP Government Affairs, BoatU.S.

Photo credited by Christopher Greenberg