Sample Email on EPA Boat Discharge Permit

July 24, 2007

For Senators:
Dear Senator ____
[ Urge Senators to support passage of bill and companion legislation.]

For Representatives:
Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms. ____
[ Urge Representatives to co-sponsor and support H.R. 2550.]

I am writing to urge you to support H.R. 2550 “The Recreational Boating Act of 2007.” This legislation would allow boating to continue in this country as a viable, healthy, family pastime, instead of being saddled with new regulations and permit requirements intended for commercial ships with ballast water tanks.

In 2006, a U.S. District Court decision struck down the 34-year permit exemption for recreational boats within the Clean Water Act. As a result, unless H.R. 2550 is passed, the EPA is required to develop and implement a permitting system for all boats in the U.S. (no matter the size or type) by September 30, 2008.

H.R. 2550 does not weaken or reverse any current environmental regulations. It simply allows boats to be operated the same way they are being operated this year, without an onerous and costly permit system.

[Insert something about your boating and how important it is here, and what this permit might do to your boating.]

There are an estimated 18 million recreational boats in the country, offering a great way of life to boaters and more than 850,000 jobs nationwide in the marine industry. H.R. 2550 is legislation that will keep boating intact. I urge you to actively support this legislation.

Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.

Sincerely,