IN THIS SECTION
Federal Relations
The power of government and regulatory bodies to shape the future of the boating industry is unquestionable. Standing in the wings while recreational boating laws and regulations are being formulated simply will not do. That is why NMMA GR is at the forefront of our industry's government relations efforts, maintaining one of the most effective lobbying efforts in the nation.
The NMMA GR office analyzes hundreds of legislative bills filed in issue areas affecting our members. The department monitors the Congressional calendar, committee meetings and floor activity for legislative issues of interest to recreational boating. We also work to serve as information for Members of Congress and their staff.
NMMA GR is committed to educating decision makers about the issues of concern to the boating industry. NMMA GR knows that there is strength in numbers, and that each member can assist in these issues by working with their elected representatives. We can positively influence and shape the future of our industry.
Below are links to various current legislative issues that are of importance to the NMMA Membership at large.
S. 2766 July Action Alert & Senate Call Sheet [PDF - 36.1 Kb]
Click here for Talking Points on the Clean Boating Act of 2008 and phone numbers to call your Senators today.
- Support S. 2766: The Clean Boating Act of 2008 [PDF - 234.25 Kb]
A recent federal court ruling that invalidated a 34-year exemption for incidental discharges for recreational boats under the Clean Water Act may mean permits for all 13 million registered boats in the country. Read this brief to learn more and support S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, introduced by Senate Environment & Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).
- Top-Ten Reasons EPA Boat Permit Proposal is Bad for Boaters [PDF - 211.46 Kb]
On June 17, 2008, EPA announced draft regulations for permitting of all recreational boats for incidental water discharges. Click here to learn why this proposal is bad for boaters.
- EPA Boat Permit Proposal: NMMA Summary [PDF - 44.73 Kb]
Click here for a summary of EPA's permitting proposal for recreational boats, announced June 17, 2008.
- NMMA Press Release on the Clean Boating Act of 2008 [PDF - 85.3 Kb]
Click here to read NMMA's press release on S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008.
- Talking Points for S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 [PDF - 14.73 Kb]
Click here for a set of talking points on the Clean Boating Act of 2008.
- Bill Text: S. 2766, The Clean Boating Act of 2008 [PDF - 44.71 Kb]
Click here to read a copy of the Clean Boating Act of 2008.
- BoatBlue Coalition to House Boating Caucus on H.R. 2550 [PDF - 29.29 Kb]
A large coalition of organizations led by NMMA recently circulated a letter to the Members of the House Boating Caucus urging them to cosponsor H.R. 2550, the Recreational Boating Act of 2007.
- NMMA Action Alert: Submit Comments to EPA/Congress on Boat Permitting Issue [PDF - 119.35 Kb]
Read NMMA's July 30, 2007 Action Alert requesting members file comments with EPA regarding its forthcoming rule to require NPDES permits for every recreational boat.
- NMMA Letter to EPA - July 2, 2007 [PDF - 238.39 Kb]
NMMA tells EPA that a new permit program for boats will have a devestating impact on boating
- NMMA Letter to EPA - August 6, 2007 [PDF - 292.56 Kb]
NMMA filed this second set of comments to EPA in response to its June 21, 2007 Notice.
- EPA Federal Register Notice - June 21, 2007 [PDF - 86.63 Kb]
EPA announces it will develop new permit program for boats
- EPA Fact Sheet on Proposed New Boat Permit Program [PDF - 189.5 Kb]
- How Do I Contact EPA About Boat Permitting Rule? [PDF - 18.73 Kb]
Use this informational face sheet to find out the best way to contact EPA about its new rule for recreational boat permits.
- NMMA Amicus Curiae Brief to U.S. Court of Appeals for 9th Circuit [PDF - 1444.24 Kb]
NMMA filed this brief to support EPA in its appeal of the Northwest Envt'l Advocates et. al. v. EPA district court decision
- NMMA Supports Robust Federal Policy on Invasive Species [PDF - 216.4 Kb]
AIS pose a grave environmental and economic threat to our nation’s waterways. Key recreational and commercial industries including fishing, boating and tourism are harmed by AIS. NMMA supports a robust federal, state, local and private effort to tackle this issue.
- Clean Vessel Act Fact Sheet [PDF - 101.14 Kb]
Recreational boats are currently regulated by federal law, making a new boat permitting scheme unnecessary. Read this fact sheet to learn about current regulations on boat sewage.
- Oil Pollution Laws Fact Sheet [PDF - 42.1 Kb]
Recreational boats are currently regulated by federal law, making a new boat permitting scheme unnecessary. Read this fact sheet to learn about current regulations on oil discharges from boats.
- Garbage Disposal Laws Fact Sheet [PDF - 124.82 Kb]
Recreational boats are currently regulated by federal law, making a new boat permitting scheme unnecessary. Read this fact sheet to learn more about regulations on garbage disposal from boats.