Clean Boating Act Passed Yesterday

Here is an email I got from Barbara Boxer...

Dear Friend:

Since you previously wrote to me in support of the Clean Boating Act of 2007 (S.2766), I wanted to share some good news with you about this legislation.

I am pleased to inform you that Congress has passed the Clean Boating Act, and it was sig ned into law on July 29, 2008.

As I noted in my previous letter to you, I proudly joined Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) in introducing this bill to establish measures that ensure the protection of water quality while minimizing any burdens for recreational boa ters under the Clean Water Act.

As you know, the Clean Boating Act makes it clear that recreational boaters will not have to get a permit under the Clean Water Act, while also requiring the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard to develop management practices, outside of any permitting programs, to assist boaters in minimizing adverse pollution impacts. By helping boaters to maintain and improve water quality, the boating experience w ill be enhanced for all users.

Thank you for your past correspondence on this matter. Please feel free to write to me in the future about this or any other issue of concern to you.

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator

uh oh...

So Dave, what exactly does this mean?

This is great news, Dave! This means that our recreational boats won't be lumped together in the same classification as much larger ocean going vessels. And as a benefit, won't require us to obtain a permit under the Clean Water Act (which would have been money out of our pocket).

Just got that same e-mail today! Great news.

not good news.

"requiring the Environmental Protection Agency and the Coast Guard to develop management practices, outside of any permitting programs, to assist boaters in minimizing adverse pollution impacts."

this gives local governing angencies the ability to make thier own rules as they see fit. if the local agencies are mad fishermen...we are screwed.

Yes, but would those mad fisherman have to abide by those rules as well with their live wells?

yes, but if something happens like it is happening on this thread:

http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/1/606648.html?1217440600

then we would have a problem. its all about local lobbying. who has the most effect with local agencies? are local agencies going to swing in our favor, or another groups favor?

"mad fishermen" was a generalized term...it could be paddle boaters, slalom skiers, rope swingers, or even rock skippers.

only time (maybe money) will tell, and every region will be affeced differently depending on persuasion.

I agree with WakeViolater on this one... Once they get their hands on something they will slowly put the choke hold on the rest of us (especially in CA).

I'm just glad the new video will be done by May '09.. phheeeew.