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.
NMMA and Coalition Partners Comment to White House Oceans Policy Task Force [PDF - 253.25 Kb]
NMMA and several coalition partners filed these comments on Feb 12, 2010 responding to the White House Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning.
- NMMA Comments on Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Report [PDF - 329.31 Kb]
NMMA submitted comments to the Ocean Policy Task Force on its Interim Report on October 16, 2009.
- NMMA/PWIA Comments to Ocean Policy Task Force [PDF - 119.32 Kb]
NMMA and PWIA on July 31, 2009 submitted joint comments on the Presidential Memorandum establishing an Ocean Policy Task Force.
- NMMA/PWIA letter on H.R. 21, the Oceans-21 Bill [PDF - 84.51 Kb]
On June 16, NMMA and PWIA sent a letter to the House Natural Resources Committee raising significant concerns with H.R. 21.
- Coalition Letter to CEQ regarding Pacific Islands Marine Designation [PDF - 422.98 Kb]
The Center for Coastal Conservation, on behalf of NMMA and other CCC members, sent a letter on Nov. 18, 2008 to CEQ reiterating our concerns about any new marine designation in the Pacific.
- House Fisheries & Oceans Subcommittee Chair Bordallo Letter to President Bush on Pacific Area Ma [PDF - 88.51 Kb]
Chairwoman Bordallo on Nov. 21 sent a follow-up letter to President Bush opposing Antiquities Act designations in the Pacific Ocean before he leaves office.
- Ltr from Chairwoman Bordallo (D-Guam) and Gov. Camacho Opposing National Monument Designations in th [PDF - 721.46 Kb]
Click here to read letters from U.S. House Subcommittee on Fisheries Chair Bordallo and Guam Governor Camacho to the White House opposing U.S. National Monument Designations in the Marianas Trench.
- NMMA / ASA Letter to White House on Economic Impact of Pacific Ocean Marine Closures [PDF - 93.24 Kb]
On October 27, 2008, NMMA and the American Sportfishing Association jointly submitted a letter to the White House outlining the economic impacts of undue ocean closures in the Pacific Ocean.
- NMMA & Partners Letter to White House on Pacific Islands Marine Designation Proposal [PDF - 92.41 Kb]
On October 24, 2008, NMMA and a handful of partners jointly submitted a letter to the President's Council on Environmental Quality regarding the proposal to create vast new marine reserves in the Central Pacific.
- NMMA Answers to House Fisheries Subcommittee Questions on MPAs [PDF - 363.97 Kb]
Click here to read NMMA's detailed responses to questions from House Subcommittee on Fisheries Chair Bordallo and Ranking Member Brown regarding marine protected areas.
- NMMA Testimony before House Subcommittee on H.R. 6537, Sanctuary Enhancement Act [PDF - 65.4 Kb]
On June 24, 2008, Scott B. Gudes, NMMA Vice President of Government Relations, testified before a House subcommittee on legislation to reauthorize the National Marine Sanctuaries Act.
- Fishing & Boating Partners Letter to President Bush on MPA Designations [PDF - 48.63 Kb]
On June 10, 2008, NMMA joined a coalition of partners to encourage President Bush to resist designating new marine protected areas without robust stakeholder involvement.
- NMMA Comments on Revised Draft of H.R. 21, the Oceans-21 Bill [PDF - 227.02 Kb]
NMMA on October 26, 2007 filed comments with Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), on his Oceans-21 bill.
- NMMA Comments on H.R. 1187, Rep. Woolsey's Marine Sanctuaries Bill [PDF - 257.5 Kb]
NMMA on Oct. 23, 2007 submitted comments to the House Subcommitte on Fisheries, Wildlife & Oceans regarding H.R. 1187, a bill that would expand federal marine sanctuaries in California.
- NMMA Comments on H.R. 21, the Oceans-21 Bill [PDF - 230.04 Kb]
Click the link to review comments submitted by NMMA to the House Committee on Natural Resources regarding H.R. 21, the Oceans Conservation, Education, and National Strategy for the 21st Century Act.
- NMMA Sends Letter to White House on FY2008 NOAA Funding [PDF - 80.38 Kb]
NMMA joined a coalition of trade associations, conservation organizations and environmental groups to support strong funding levels for NOAA in fiscal year 2008.
- NMMA Supports UN Convention on the Law of the Sea [PDF - 210.4 Kb]
The U.S. should ratify the UN Law of the Sea Treaty in order to strengthen its seat at the table during international maritime negotiations.
- NMMA Position Paper on UN Convention on the Law of the Sea [PDF - 43.93 Kb]
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is an international treaty governing the world’s oceans. The treaty has the support of every major industry group it would affect because it is good for business.
