|
 Over 18 million American recreational boats could soon be required to comply with a new permit system if Congress does not pass the Clean Boating Act of
2008 before September 30th. Due to a 2006 U.S. District Court decision, the federal Environmental Protection Agency is required to design and implement a discharge permit system for every vessel in the country before September 30, 2008. Current federal legislation, Senate Bill #2766 and House Bill
#5949 "The Clean Boating Act" would reinstate a 35-year permit exemption for recreational boats.
 If legislation does not pass in the next 4 months, all of the boats that you own or sail will need a special permit, regardless of size or type. This means boat owners will be required to apply and pay for permits for Sabots, Lasers, Hobies, Mumm 30s, Cal 40s or TP52s, most likely in every state where they want to sail a boat. The National Marine Manufacturers Association
(NMMA) and Boat U.S. are spear-heading efforts in Washington D.C. to pass this legislation, but every boater's voice is critical right now to successfully pass this bill. "Time is short, Congress is distracted, and we must get this legislation moved in order to beat the clock," says Margaret Podlich, Vice President of Government Affairs for Boat U.S. and a US Sailing member.
The full story can be found on the US Sailing web site. |
