Bill Protects Boating and Aquatic Resources
The Threat to Recreational Boating.
Unless Congress acts soon, every recreational boater in the country
will have to obtain a federal or state permit in order to operate
their boat. This means yearly fees, bureaucratic red tape, confusing
and potentially state-by-state regulations, citizen suits and
$32,000 per day penalties for non-compliance. These permits would
apply to deck run-off, bilge water, engine cooling water and any
other water-based, operational discharge from a recreational boat.
The Environmental Protection Agency, due to a sweeping court order,
is already writing this unprecedented new regulation on boaters.
Recreational boating is one of the most enjoyable American pastimes
for 73 million boaters nationwide to spend time together outside
enjoying our natural treasures with friends and family. But, unless
Congressional action is taken soon to pass S. 2766, the Clean
Boating Act of 2008, the estimated 18 million recreational boats in
this country could be subjected to sweeping new regulations and
permit requirements intended for commercial ships with ballast water
tanks, preventing boaters from enjoying this great past time. ...
