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.
Letter from 22 Members of Congress Urging More Testing on E15 [PDF - 142.44 Kb]
On Jan. 25, 2010, 22 Members of Congress wrote to Speaker Pelosi ad Majority Leader Hoyer urging no congressional approval of E15. The letter was led by Reps. Grijalva and Melancon.
- NMMA Joins Auto, Engines Groups in Letter to EPA on a "Partial Waiver" [PDF - 13.26 Kb]
On Jan 20, 2010, NMMA joined several engine and auto organizations in a letter to EPA official Margo Oge regarding our concerns with a partial waiver for E15.
- NMMA Joins Broad Coalition Calling for More E15 Tests [PDF - 311.84 Kb]
NMMA on Jan. 7, 2010 along with other engines manufacturers, oil companies, and fuel infrastructure groups called on the Obama Administration to complete testing on E15 prior to any decision on the fuel waiver.
- Collins-Cardin Letter to EPA on Testing/Partial Waiver for E15 [PDF - 24.57 Kb]
On Dec. 14, Senators Susan Collins and Ben Cardin sent a letter to EPA requesting testing of E15 on marine and other engines.
- Reps. Barton and Walden Ask GAO for study on Mid-Level Ethanol Blends [PDF - 63.41 Kb]
Congressmen Joe Barton and Greg Walden on Dec. 9, 2009 officially requested a GAO study on the impacts of mid-level ethanol blends on consumers and engines, including recreational boats.
- Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Briefing [PDF - 195.3 Kb]
Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room SD-562.
Radio Interview on Ethanol and Boats [ - 19562.49 Kb]
Mat Dunn interview on Boatwrench Radio 740AM on ethanol and boats (audio file).
- NMMA Comments on RFS2 Proposal [PDF - 320.57 Kb]
NMMA on Sept. 25 filed comments with EPA regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard II Proposed Rulemaking.
- NMMA Letter to Senate Opposing Ben Nelson E15 Amendment to Appropriations Bill [PDF - 266.37 Kb]
- Coalition Letter to Senate Opposing Ben Nelson E15 Amendment to Appropriations Bill [PDF - 41.52 Kb]
- S. 1666, the Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009 [PDF - 27.47 Kb]
Senator Susan Collins and Senator Ben Cardin, along with Senators Sheldon Whitehouse and Mary Landrieu, introduced this NMMA-backed legislation regarding mid-level ethanol on Sept. 14, 2009.
- NMMA Comments to EPA Opposing Growth Energy Waiver Petition for E15 [PDF - 4157.64 Kb]
NMMA on July 20, 2009 filed detailed comments with the Environmental Protection Agency opposing a petition filed by the ethanol industry to allow the sale of E15.
- NMMA Joins Comments Opposing E15 Waiver Submitted by AllSAFE [PDF - 759.11 Kb]
NMMA on July 20, 2009 joined the Alliance for Safe Alternative Fuels Environment (AllSAFE) opposing an E15 waiver.
- NMMA Joins Broad Coalition to EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson Opposing E15 [PDF - 42.4 Kb]
NMMA on July 20, 2009 joined a broad coalition of environmental groups, business organizations, consumer groups, and others opposing the E15 waiver petition.
- NMMA Joins Broad Coalition to Senate Appropriations Committee Opposing E15 [PDF - 86.6 Kb]
NMMA on July 16, 2009 joined a broad coalition urging the Senate Appropriations Committee not to allow any legislative authorization of E15.
- 20 Senators Send Letter to EPA on Mid-Level Ethanol [PDF - 949.59 Kb]
Bipartisan group of U.S. Senators led by Senators Webb and Chambliss urge more testing on mid-level ethanol before any decisions are made on E15.
- Federal Register Notice on E15 Waiver [PDF - 53.29 Kb]
On March 6, 2009, Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers submitted an application for a waiver for ethanol gasoline blends of up to 15 percent (‘E15’). EPA must grant or deny this application within 270 days of receipt (12/1/09). EPA is soliciting comment on all aspects of the waiver application, including whether a waiver is appropriate for ethanol-gasoline blends over 10 percent and less than 15 percent. Written comments must be received on or before May 21, 2009.
- NMMA Letter to Senate Environment & Public Works Committee on Mid-Level Ethanol [PDF - 231.29 Kb]
On March 31, 2009, NMMA submitted the following letter to the Senate Environment & Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air regarding mid-level ethanol blends and the need for further testing on marine products.
- NPRA/NMMA/OPEI Joint Testimony on Mid-Level Ethanol and the Renewable Fuel Standard [PDF - 366.51 Kb]
NMMA on April 1 joined the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association and the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute in submitting joint-testimony to the Senate Environment and Public Works Subcommittee on Clean Air regarding mid-level ethanol blends.
- Broad Coalition Letter Opposing Mid-Level Blends [PDF - 47.58 Kb]
NMMA, a leading member of the coalition AllSAFE, partnered with 55 organizations from diverse interests opposing moving to mid-level ethanol blends before all necessary testing is completed.
- NMMA Joint Briefing of Senate EPW Committee on Ethanol [PDF - 3362.38 Kb]
NMMA in March 2009 joined oil, public health, clean air, and auto and engine manufacturing organizations on a panel to brief more than 40 bipartisan staff of the Senate Environment & Public Works Committee.
- Mid-Level Ethanol Poses Serious Concerns for Boaters [PDF - 221.81 Kb]
NMMA is working with federal agencies to ensure that mid-level ethanol blends, such as e20, will not damage marine engines and equipment.
- Bipartisan Senate Coalition Sends Letter to President Urging Study of Ethanol [PDF - 380.18 Kb]
NMMA worked with a broad coalition of Senators on the attached letter, urging President Bush to work with EPA and DOE to ensure that approval of mid-level ethanol blends does not have unintended consequences.
