BoatUS Government Affairs
 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Click Here for Florida Anchoring Sheet 2011

Florida Anchoring Updates

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Boaters Urged to Comment on Proposed Anchoring Ordinances in the City of St. Augustine.

Click Here to Comment

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.

 

 

Alabama News

We do not have any current state alerts for Alabama at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Alabama Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Alaska News

We do not have any current state alerts for Alaska at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Arizona News

We do not have any current state alerts for Arizona at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Arkansas News

We do not have any current state alerts for Arkansas at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

California News

June 2, 2011

California State Senate passes legislation to ban antifouling paint containing copper

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

California Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Colorado News

We do not have any current state alerts for Colorado at this time. If you have a boating related issue please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Colorado Archive

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Connecticut News

May 6, 2011

Major boat taxes rejected, luxury tax still imposed

Following significant input from boaters, the final state budget did not contain many of the onerous tax increases targeted at recreational boats. The only boating tax proposal by Governor Malloy that emerged from the legislature is the imposition of a 7% luxury/sales tax on the purchase of boats where the total price exceeds $100,000.  For boat sales less than this amount the sales tax will be 6.35% on the total purchase price.

April 21, 2011

Update on boat tax increases

The Connecticut Legislature continues to consider taxes that could have a significant impact on recreational boating. While it appears that several of the tax increases contained in the Governor’s proposed budget have been dropped from consideration, including the extension of the personal property tax to boats, several still remain in play. In particular there are reports that a ‘luxury’ tax of 7% will be imposed on total value of the sale of boats greater than $100,000. Boat sold for less than this amount will continue to be taxed at the state sales tax rate, which is currently 6% of the total value of the sale.

Several legislative steps remain before these proposals are finalized. Boaters are encourage to continue to contact their legislators to express their views at www.boatus.com/gov/ctaction.

 

March 3, 2011

Significant boat tax increases contained in Governor's proposed budget

Governor Dannel P. Malloy has proposed significant tax increases for the marine industry in his 2012 budget. While we recognize that Connecticut, like many other states, is facing growing demands for services along with little to no increases in revenue, this proposal has the potential to have a devastating impact on the boating industry. In consultation with the Connecticut Marine Trades Association (CMTA) we urge you to voice concern to your elected representative.

The Governor has proposed the following tax increases:

  • Impose sales tax on marine services including repairs and winter storage
  • Impose a 3% luxury tax on boats costing more than $100,000
  • Impose a $20 per thousand assessed value personal property tax on boats
  • Eliminate the exemption from sales tax of the value of a boat traded-in
  • Increase in the state sales tax, imposed on both new and used boat sales, from 6% to 6.35%

In addition to these significant tax increases, it is proposed to eliminate the state boating fund and divert boating registration fees to the general fund. Appropriations for programs the fund supports would have to come from the general fund, competing with all other state programs.

The economic burden being placed on recreational boating by these proposals has the potential to wreak havoc recreational boating. When the federal government imposed a luxury tax on boats in the early 1990s it had the effect of eliminating thousands of marine manufacturing jobs while raising an insignificant amount of revenue. For marine businesses such as mechanics and riggers, taxing their services will cause boaters to move the work (and their boats) to lower costs states such as Rhode Island. These tax increases will likely not raise the expected revenue while inhibiting the growth of boating


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Delaware News

We do not have any state alerts for Delaware at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Florida News

November 24th, 2012

City of St. Petersburg holding second meeting on new anchoring ordiances

A second meeting is being held to discuss proposed anchoring ordiances in the City of St. Petersburg. Click here to see a draft proposal from the City.

When: Tuesday, January 24th, 6:00pm to 8:00pm
Where: Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

 

November 17, 2011

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission approves local anchoring regulations in St. Augustine with important changes

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) has given its approval to the City of St. Augustine's proposed anchoring regulations provided the City change a 10 day limit on anchoring to 30 days out of any 45 day period. Click here to see the FWC press release.

Click here to see a draft of the proposed St. Augustine ordinance.

October 27 , 2011

City of Sarasota holding meeting on new anchoring ordinances

On November 3, the possibility of anchoring regulations for recreational boats will be discussed at a meeting hosted by city officials. Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) says that the agenda will center on proposals to limit the number of days a boat can remain on anchor as well as to determine a “set back” limit on how many feet an anchored boat must stay from private or public land. BoatU.S. is urging boaters, cruisers and sailors, as well as those who benefit from visiting boater spending, to attend this public meeting to have their voices heard.

The meeting will be held Thursday, November 3rd, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in the Commission Chambers at 1565 Front Street in Sarasota.

Go to the BoatU.S. Pressroom to see a full press release on the meeting.

October 18 , 2011

City of St. Petersburg holding meeting on new anchoring ordinances

As part of its participation in the state's mooring and anchoring program, the City of St. Petersburg is holding two public meetings to get input on anchoring ordinances.  We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken for responsible boat owners.

When: Wednesday, October 19th, 6:45pm to 9:00pm
Where: Karen A. Steidinger Auditorium
Fish and Wildlife Research Institute
100 Eighth Avenue SE
St. Petersburg, FL 33701

September 28, 2011

Stuart/Martin County holding meeting on new anchoring ordinances

As part of their participation in the state's mooring and anchoring program, the City of Stuart and Martin County are holding two public meetings to get input on anchoring ordinances.

We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken for responsible boat owners.

When: Tuesday, October 4th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm
Where: The Lyric’s Flagler Center
201 SW Flagler Avenue, Stuart

When: Tuesday, October 4th, 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Where: Blake Library
2351 SE Monterey Road, Stuart

June 1, 2011

Monroe County to hold meetings on new anchoring mordancies

Monroe County is hosting three stakeholder workshops around the Keys to hear public input and ideas for a new anchoring ordinance. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in these meetings to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that the Keys remain a boating-friendly area for responsible boat owners.

Monroe County is now one of five jurisdictions in the state’s mooring and anchoring pilot project. As part of this project, the County will be allowed to develop an ordinance that will regulate anchoring. Please attend one of the following meetings, and be prepared to summarize your own ideas regarding anchoring needs in the Keys:

Tuesday, June 7, 6 pm
Murray E. Nelson Center, 102050 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL 33037

Wednesday June 8, 6 pm
MarathonGovernment Center, 2798 Overseas Highway, Marathon, FL 33050

Thursday, June 9, 6 pm
Harvey Government Center, 1200 Truman Avenue, Key West, FL 33040

For more background information on anchoring laws in Florida see the new BoatU.S. information sheet:

www.boatus.com/gov/pdf/GA005FLAnchoringPaper2011.pdf

For more background from Monroe County:

Monroe County Anchoring Presentation

May 13, 2011

DATE AND TIME CHANGE for City of St. Augustine Anchoring Meeting

Late yesterday, the City of St. Augustine notified BoatU.S. that the date and time for their workshop about new anchoring regulations has been rescheduled. Please share the word that attending this meeting remains very important, and now, the details are:

When: Thursday, May 26th, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Where: The Alcazar Room in City Hall
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

(There has been a string of incorrect information available on this meeting, including the 5/12 press release from the City which says the meeting is May 26 at 5 pm. At 10 am this morning, we spoke with the Director of General Services who confirms that the meeting is from 4-5 pm on May 26. Because of the continued evolution of this meeting, we recommend you call ahead (904) 825-1010 to confirm the latest meeting information.)

BACKGROUND:
At this workshop, the City of St. Augustine wants to receive public input and ideas for an anchoring ordinance, which they can develop as one of five cities participating in Florida’s mooring and anchoring pilot program. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in this meeting to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that St. Augustine remains a boating-friendly area.

To read the latest press release sent out by the City:

http://www.staugustinegovernment.com/the-city/featured-stories-archive/documents/PilotPgm-ReschA.pdf

May 12, 2011

St. Augustine Meeting on local anchoring regulations

If anchoring is part of your boating, heads-up!

On Thursday, May 19, 2011, the City of St. Augustine is holding a meeting to receive public input and ideas for an anchoring ordinance. We strongly encourage all area cruisers to participate in this meeting to ensure a reasonable approach is taken and that St. Augustine remains a boating-friendly area.

The City of St. Augustine is participating as one of five cities in the state’s mooring and anchoring pilot project. As part of this project, the City will be allowed to develop an ordinance to limit nearby anchoring.

When: Thursday, May 19th, 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Where: The Alcazar Room in City Hall
75 King Street, St. Augustine, FL 32084

For more background information on anchoring laws in Florida see the new BoatU.S. information sheet:

www.boatus.com/gov/pdf/GA005FLAnchoringPaper2011.pdf

To read the press release sent out by the City:

http://www.staugustinegovernment.com/the-city/featured-stories-archive/documents/PilotPgmmeetingrelease-Final2.pdf

(Please note that the City’s release incorrectly states the meeting is about the Harbor Management Plan. We have confirmed that the sole topic for this public meeting is a draft anchoring ordinance.)

This could be the only opportunity to provide input on this new local regulation.

March 30, 2011

Changes coming to Florida Anchoring Regulations

The Florida Wildlife Commission is moving forward with its pilot mooring field program.  For an update on this issue please click here

Florida Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Georgia News

We do not have any state alerts for Georgia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Hawaii News

We do not have any state alerts for Hawaii at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Idaho News

December 29 , 2011

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation is reminding boaters to be on the watch for invasive species.  To learn more about how you can help curb their spread, visit the BoatU.S. Foundation for Safety and Clean Water's invasive species information pages, http://www.boatus.com/foundation/cleanwater/invadespecies.asp

January 25, 2011

Another listening session regarding the proposed changes to the 3rd Street boat ramp in Coeur d'Alene will be held on Thursday, Feb. 3, at 6 p.m., at Woodland Middle School, 2101 St. Michelle Avenue, Coeur d'Alene. 

January 4, 2011

BoatU.S. has recently learned of a proposal for the development of the McEuen Field Park and the 3rd Street boat ramp in Coeur d’Alene (next to the Coeur d’Alene Resort) that would potentially eliminate the boat ramp and trailer parking area there. Nationwide, BoatU.S. is concerned about maintaining access to waterways. For this reason, we wanted you to know about a public meeting organized by the Coeur D’Alene Parks Department:

• This Thursday, January 6, 6 pm.
• North Idaho College Student Union Building, Lake Coeur d’Alene Room, 1000 West Garden Avenue, Coeur d’Alene

If you boat in this area, we encourage you to attend, and share your perspective at this meeting

Boaters should particularly note the following information from the Frequently Ask Questions section of the projects web page:

"9. Third Street Boat Launch:


Why close the 3rd Street Boat Launch? Isn’t it one of the busiest launches in the state? Hasn’t it been the main link to the lake for boats on trailers forever? What alternatives for launching are now or will be available?


The Third Street Boat Launch was built around the 1950’s; some photos suggest it was here as early as the 1940’s. It was used for hydroplane launches and the seawall was constructed, expanded and bolstered to accommodate the many cranes needed to launch and retrieve the hydros for each race. A private boat marina, Inland Marine, was located on the east side of the ramp where the CDA Resort is now located. The Third Street Launch saw its peak use about 10 to 15 years ago when it was known as “the busiest boat launch in the state,” with approximately 7,000 boat launches per year. Since the opening of the Higgins Point Boat Launch (around 2002) and the BLM Boat Launch on Blackwell Island (around 2005), the Third Street launches have declined to 2,000 launches per year. To put this in perspective of numbers; the CDA City Park draws approximately 2,000 people per day during the peak season. The 5 launch lanes are served by 3 docks and there are a total of 48 vehicle-boat trailer spaces in the parking lot adjacent to the seawall next to the launches. (Design standards suggest 35 trailer spots are needed per launch meaning the currently limited trailer parking severely limits the launch use as a practical matter as well).


Increased activity in the downtown area and within the park in general has brought pedestrian and vehicle conflicts to the Sherman Avenue, 2nd Street, Front Avenue Street and 3rd Street areas leading to the boat launch. Special event activities to include a variety of runs, triathlons, bike events and walks have exponentially increased pedestrian traffic in this corridor making conflicting uses and safety serious issues. Vehicles with trailers also find it difficult to negotiate through the intersections in the core of downtown leading to the launch area adding to safety and congestion issues.


This site was once thought to be the best or only emergency access area on the lake. That is no longer the case as the nearest location to an accident is the best site for emergency access. If transportation of an injured person was necessary from the lake at the 3rd Street or Tubbs Hill location, that can still occur with or without a boat launch.
There are additional launch sites available on the east side and west side of the lake; some are in close proximity to the Third Street site. The lake recedes in the winter time and there is a need for a longer or deeper water launch ramp. Third Street has served to meet that need, however in December, January and February when the water is low the launch records show that only about three to ten boats are launched in any of those months. Higgins Point is also a deep water launch and can accommodate the launches during the low water times as can the BLM Mineral Ridge launch on the south side of Wolf Lodge Bay. There also is a high probability of a private marina being built on Blackwell Island that will also have year around launch facilities and may be able to accommodate winter launches for a fee. A private commercial launch with a crane pad is located at the former Lafferty (Foss Maritime-Brics Marine-No. Id. Maritime) facilities across from the Yacht Club and Blackwell Island is now owned by Murphy Marine Construction.


Options for removing the boat launch and replacing its +/-50 boat trailer parking spots include:
• Expand and/or reconfigure the Higgins Point Boat Launch parking lot managed by the Idaho Park & Rec. ITD owns property adjacent to this lot and they might entertain the idea of allowing an expanded parking lot or satellite parking. This is a year-around launch when snow and ice conditions permit.
• Expand the BLM Blackwell Island Parking lot. Discussions with BLM indicate there is room to expand to at least 12 more parking stalls, and recent studies show more usable property may be available. This launch is open in the summer months when the water level in the river allows enough depth and flows are safe.
• Encourage Kootenai County to resolve the property issues at Boothes Landing. This site can be used for year around launching. Paving and striping this lot for better parking organization has been delayed due to the dispute over ownership and use."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Illinois News

We do not have any state alerts for Illinois at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Illinois Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Indiana News

We do not have any state alerts for Indiana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Iowa News

We do not have any state alerts for Iowa at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Kansas News

We do not have any state alerts for Kansas at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Kentucky News

We do not have any state alerts for Kentucky at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Louisiana News

We do not have any state alerts for Louisiana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Maine News

We do not have any state alerts for Maine at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Maine Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Maryland News

March 15, 2011

Maryland Boaters have a particular opportunity to comment

EPA Listening Session on regulation to implement the Clean Boating Act

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.

EPA has created web pages on this issue:  EPA Clean Boating Act Web Site

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.

There are three ways for boaters to let EPA know their views: 

  • Two in person meeting

    Meeting Details:

    Where: Doubletree Hotel, 210 Holiday Court, Annapolis, Maryland, 21401

    When: March 18th, 7 pm and April 29th, 7 pm

  • "Webinars" online presentations and discussions of the issue . 

    Additional information and the schedule for the "webinars" can be found here: EPA Clean Boating Act Webinars

  • Email EPA directly at CleanBoatingAct-HQ@EPA.GOV

The EPA notice for these meeting and public participation opportunities can be found here: Clean Boating Act Meeting FR Notice

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

 

Maryland Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Massachusetts News

April 6, 2011

State Joint Committee takes no action on life jacket legislation

The Massachusetts Legislature's Joint Committee on Public Safety and Homeland Security held a hearing on HB 646. It was reported that no one spoke in favor of the bill, including its sponsor.  Several members of the legislature spoke against the proposal, noting they had heard from a number of constituents on the subject.

April 4, 2011

Legislature considering bill to require everyone wear life jackets on boats under 20’

Currently in Massachusetts, life jackets must be onboard all boats, and worn by kids under 12, and worn by all who are water skiing, on personal watercraft, or in canoe/kayaks in the winter. Our understanding of this legislation, House Bill 646, is that it will require everyone on boats less than 20’ to wear life jackets year-round.

BoatU.S. is a strong supporter of safe boating practices. Many BoatU.S. members have expressed significant concern, however, about government mandating when and where adults must wear life jackets.

To see a copy of the bill go here

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Michigan News

We do not have any state alerts for Michigan at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Minnesota News

We do not have any state alerts for Minnesota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Minnesota Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mississippi News

We do not have any state alerts for Mississippi at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Missouri News

We do not have any state alerts for Missouri at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Montana News

We do not have any state alerts for Montana at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nebraska News

We do not have any state alerts for Nebraska at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nevada News

April 22, 2009

We do not have any state alerts for Nevada at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Nevada Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Hampshire News

We do not have any state alerts for New Hampshire at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Jersey News

We do not have any state alerts for New Jersey at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

New Jersey Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New Mexico News

We do not have any state alerts for New Mexico at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

New York News

April 25, 2011

EPA Proposes a no discharge zone for Long Island Sound

The United States Environmental Protection Agency has proposed to designate the waters of Long Island Sound as a no discharge zone.  This will prohibit the discharge of treated waste from Type I and II marine sanitation devices.  The discharge of treated waste is already prohibited under the Clean Water Act.

For additional information and to see this proposal: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2011/pdf/2011-8463.pdf

Comments can be made to the EPA on this proposal until May 11, 2011.

New York Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Carolina News

We do not have any state alerts for North Carolina at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

North Carolina Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

North Dakota News

We do not have any state alerts for North Dakota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Ohio News

We do not have any state alerts for Ohio at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oklahoma News

We do not have any state alerts for Oklahoma at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Oregon News

We do not have any state alerts for Oregon at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Oregon Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pennsylvania News

June 23, 2011

Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission considering mandatory life jacket wear during winter months

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boating Commission is asking for public comment on a proposal to require all boaters on boats less16' and all canoes and kayaks wear a life jacket at all times between November 1st and April 30th.  Currently Pennsylvania only requires life jackets for children 12 years and younger on boat less than 20'.

To comment on this proposal please visit the PBC web site at:

http://fishandboat.com/rulemakings/228nprp.pdf

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Rhode Island News

We do not have any state alerts for Rhode Island at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Rhode Island Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Carolina News

We do not have any state alerts for South Carolina at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

South Carolina Archive


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South Dakota News

We do not have any state alerts for South Dakota at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Tennessee News

We do not have any state alerts for Tennessee at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Texas News

June 1, 2011

BoatU.S. urges veto of legislation to ban airboats on the Brasos River

In a letter to Texas Governor Rick Perry, BoatU.S has urged the Governor to exercise his line-item veto authority and reject legislation that would ban airboats on a particular stretch of the Brasos River. Click here to see a copy of the letter.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Utah News

We do not have any state alerts for Utah at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Vermont News

We do not have any state alerts for Vermont at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Virginia News

We do not have any state alerts for Virginia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

Virginia Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Washington News

April 21, 2011

Copper antifouling paint ban legislation passed by Washington State House and Senate

The Washington State Senate and House of Representatives have agreed on amendments to S. 5436 and have sent the legislation on to the Governor for signature. Under the legislation passed by both chambers it will be prohibited to:

  • Sell a new recreational boat with antifouling paint containing copper after January 1, 2018
  • Offer for sale antifouling paint that is intended for use on a recreational water vessel that contains more than 0.5 percent copper after January 1, 2020
  • Apply antifouling paint containing more than 0.5 percent copper to a recreational water vessel in the state.

Anyone found in violation of these requirements would be subject to fines of up to $10,000 per day.

For a copy of the legislation please click here.


To find the latest status of the legislation click here.

April 14, 2011

Copper bottom paint ban legislation

Different versions of SB 5436 have passed both chambers of the Washington State legislature.  The two bills will be reconciled and then sent on to the Governor for signature.

February, 2011

Legislation banning the sale of anti-fouling bottom paint containing copper has passed the Washington State Senate.  The bill, SB 5436, would prohibit the sale of new recreational boats with copper anti-fouling paint after January 1, 2017.  It would also ban the sale of any anti-fouling bottom paint containing more than .005% copper in the state after January 1, 2020.

Washington Archive

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


West Virginia News

We do not have any state alerts for West Virginia at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wisconsin News

We do not have any state alerts for Wisconsin at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Wyoming News

We do not have any state alerts for Wyoming at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Washington D.C. News

We do not have any state alerts for Washington D.C. at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


US Virgin Island News


We do not have any state alerts for US Virgin Islands at this time. If you have a boating related alert please email us at govtaffairs@boatus.com