Pending Federal Legislation: S. 2766 Clean Boating Act of 2008
on Thursday March 20, 2008 06:50AM
Write your senator now !
There is an extreme risk that all recreational boaters in the U.S. will be required to obtain a permit from the EPA to discharge bilge water or even rain water off their decks. This issue arose from a law intended to keep invasive species like zebra mussels from being discharged by cargo ships and cruise liners. In 2006, a U.S. District Court decision struck down the 34-year permit exemption for recreational boats within the Clean Water Act. This decision will require the EPA to develop and implement a permitting system for all boats in the U.S. by September 30, 2008.
A new bill, S. 2766 Clean Boating Act of 2008, has been introduced in the Senate by Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) to correct this issue and needs several co-sponsors to be taken up by the full Senate. This new bill does not weaken or reverse any current environmental regulations. It simply allows boats to be operated in the present manner, without an onerous and costly permit system.
For more info: NMMA - boatblue