Federal Relations

The is the full PowerPoint presentation. To view the presentation with audio, go to http://www.nmma.org/members/webinars/.

The US Senate Finance Committee conducted a hearing on the business tax nexus issue on April 25, and NMMA submitted testimony to the committee.

NMMA signed this letter as part of coaltion supporting BATSA.

BATSA would clarify that businesses without a physical, "bricks and mortar" presence in a state cannot unreasonably taxed.

On April 1, 2013, NMMA submitted comments to the House Energy & Commerce Committee describing the effects of e15 on marine engines. These comments included photos of damage caused by e15 to outboard engines.

On February 5, 2013, NMMA Legislative Director Jim Currie participated in a briefing before Congressional staff. Currie told of the problems that e15 posed for engines of all types.

This study was conducted by the US Coast Guard pursuant to Congressional direction. It surveys the known studies of the effects of mid-level ethanol on marine engines.

This is the study that was conducted by Mercury Marine in cooperation with the US Department of Energy.

This is the study that was conducted by Volvo Penta in cooperation with the US Department of Energy.

This testimony was presented by David Hilbert of Mercury Marine on November 2, 2011, to the members of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

Slides accompanying the written testimony of David Hilbert of Mercury Marine on November 2, 2011, to the members of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology

This letter was sent electronically on July 26, 2011, to House of representatives members of the Congressional Boating Caucus urging their support for an amendment that would prevent the EPA from spending any appropriated funds to implement the move to E15.

The amendment would prevent the Environmental Protection Agency from using appropriated funds to increase the amount of allowable ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). July 26, 2011

Jeff Wasil, Emissions Engineer at Evinrude Marine Engines, represented NMMA before the subcommittee. He highlighted problems that would be caused by E15.

Feb. 16, 2011

On Jan. 6, 2011, a group of ten U.S. Senators led by Sen. Collins (R-Maine) and Sen. Cardin (D-Md.) sent a letter of concern to EPA on E15 and misfueling risks.

NMMA filed comment with EPA on January 3, 2011 regarding the Agency's proposal to mitigate misfueling from E15.

On Nov. 4, 2010 EPA proposed a new regulations requiring gas pumps that sell E15 to have a label. This rule is now open for public comment until Jan. 3, 2011.

On Oct 13, 2010, EPA announced that it was issuing a partial waiver to allow the sale of E15 for cars and light-duty trucks made in 2007 or later.

Chairman and Ranking Members on powerful House Energy Committee send letter to EPA on E15 on July 29, 2010.

FTC is proposing new labeling for md-level ethanol fuel blends.

NMMA and 41 diverse partners formally requested in March 2010 that EPA reopen its comment period on the E15 waiver to allow public review and comment on new automotive testing.

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.

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 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.

On Dec. 14, Senators Susan Collins and Ben Cardin sent a letter to EPA requesting testing of E15 on marine and other engines.

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.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room SD-562.

Mat Dunn interview on Boatwrench Radio 740AM on ethanol and boats (audio file).

NMMA on Sept. 25 filed comments with EPA regarding the Renewable Fuel Standard II Proposed Rulemaking.

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 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 on July 20, 2009 joined the Alliance for Safe Alternative Fuels Environment (AllSAFE) opposing an E15 waiver.

NMMA on July 20, 2009 joined a broad coalition of environmental groups, business organizations, consumer groups, and others opposing the E15 waiver petition.

NMMA on July 16, 2009 joined a broad coalition urging the Senate Appropriations Committee not to allow any legislative authorization of E15.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

NMMA is working with federal agencies to ensure that mid-level ethanol blends, such as e20, will not damage marine engines and equipment.

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.

NMMA joined a broad coalition of business interests calling on Congress to pass legislation preventing current tax rates from increasing.

On June 8, 2010, NMMA President Thom Dammrich appeared before the Senate Small Business Committee to address ongoing access to capital issues for marine manufacturers and dealers.

A June 3, 2010 letter circulated by Senator Bill Nelson and signed by 8 Democratic and Republican Senators urges Congress to treat marine and RV dealers equitably in new Wall Street bill.

NMMA is opposing provisions within the financial regulatory reform bill that would apply onerous new banking requirements on marine dealers.

On March 8, 2010, Senate Small Business Committee Chair Mary Landrieu and Ranking Member Olympia Snowe sent a letter to SBA Administrator Karen Mills requesting immediate improvements in the Dealer Floor Plan Pilot Program to increase capital for marine dealers.

NMMA President Thom Dammrich sent the attached letter to President Obama requested he clarify his remarks associating buying a boat with an irresponsible purchase.

NMMA worked closely with Rep. Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) and 15 bipartisan Members of Congress urging improvements to the SBA Dealer Floorplan Program in a letter sent Dec. 18, 2009.

NMMA on Dec. 15 sent a letter to Senator Menendez supporting S. 2855, which would direct $20B of TARP money for direct lending through SBA.

NMMA on Dec. 10 joined numerous other organizations in the Small Business Access to Credit Coalition calling on Congress to increase SBA loan caps and take other action to free up lending.

Twelve Members of Congress wrote a letter to Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke urging him to re-examine elements of the TALF program.

NMMA Chairman David Slikker's letter to NMMA members and industry colleagues on floorplan financing.

Boat dealer David Bofill of Bofill Marine testifies before the House Small Business Committee on "Laying the Groundwork for Economic Recovery: Expanding Small Business Access to Capital.”

On April 1, NMMA Member CEOs joined CEOs from other industries in sending a letter requesting immediate NOL relief for companies of all sizes. 79 CEOs signed the letter, nearly half of them NMMA members.

NMMA on March 25 formally requested a meeting with SBA regarding small business lending for the marine industry and lending assistance in the wholesale marine space.

Federal relief is needed for nationwide floorplan financing crisis. MMMA urges access to federal lending facilities and loan guarantees.

Frequently asked questions about what the government can do and how TALF works

Click here for a set of comprehensive talking points for the marine floorplan financing issue to use in letters of calls with Capitol Hill and the Treasury Department.

Click here for phone and fax numbers for the Members of the Senate Banking Committee and the House Financial Services Committee.

Click here to read NMMA's proposal.

NMMA and the Massachusetts MTA on Jan. 12, 2009 sent a joint letter to House Financial Services Chairman outlining specific actions to facilitate and increase lending to the marine industry.

NMMA and a coalition of 70 additional groups sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging extension of the net operating loss (NOL) carryback period.

Update: This legislation has passed the House and Senate as of 12/11/08. NMMA has joined with hundreds of groups and companies in support of quick relief for certain defined-benefit pension plans.

NMMA and a coalition of 70 additional groups sent a letter to House Ways & Means and Senate Finance Committee leadership urging extension of the net operating loss (NOL) carryback period.

NMMA joined forces with RVIA, RVDA and the American Recreation Coalition outlining much-needed economic measures for the U.S. recreation industry.

NMMA, RVIA, RVDA and the American Recreation Coalition sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Paulson urging expeditious action to free up credit for the recreation industry.

NMMA and the National Marine Bankers Association sent a joint letter to Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson regarding the Financial Rescue Package.

NMMA sent Senate Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell a letter outlining economic relief measures for the marine industry.

NMMA sent House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Republican Leader John Boehner a letter outlining economic relief measures for the marine industry.

NMMA sent the Senate Finance Committee leadership a letter outlining tax relief provisions that should be included in any economic stimulus bill.

NMMA sent House Ways & Means Committee leadership a letter outlining tax relief provisions that should be included in any economic stimulus bill.

This letter, signed on March 30, 2012, by the presidents or executive directors of fourteen outdoor recreation organizations, focuses on the economic benefits generated by water-based outdoor recreation and urges Senators to support clean water protections. An identical letter was sent to members of the US House of Representatives.

This letter is identical to the one sent to US Senators on March 30, 2012.

Letter sent to Rep. Jim Cooper (D-TN) supporting his legislation to amend the Lacey Act.

This paper provides an overview of the recreational boating industry’s contributions to environmental stewardship. It provides a broad analysis of the boating industry’s efforts to promote responsible recreation through the promotion of education and outreach programs, the development and marketing of new, environmentally friendly products.

On June 24, working with NMMA, Jim Klark of the Southern California Marine Association testified before Congress regarding the quagga mussel problem and the recreational marine industry's perspective.

NMMA and a broad coalition of partners sent a letter to Santa Barbara County in March 2008 urging the county to keep the lake open to boating and access.

Letter, 29 Sep 11, signed by 155 associations urging significant deficit reductions. NMMA was one of the signatories.

Letter, 9 Sep 11, from NMMA to the co-chairs of the committee expressing NMMA's thoughts on some policy proposals for the committee to consider.

On October 7, 2008, the entire Virginia Congressional delegation with the exception of Representative Jim Moran, signed a letter to Governor Tim Kaine urging support for the Business Activity Tax Simplification Act (BATSA). The letter notes that BATSA would ensure fairness, minimize costly litigation for both state governments and taxpayers and create the kind of legally certain and stable business environment that encourages business to make investments, expand interstate commerce and create new jobs.

NMMA on Dec. 3 filed comments with the House Ways and Means Committee regarding legislation that would repeal a job-producing tax rate for privately-held American exporters.

NMMA on Dec. 3 filed comments with the Senate Finance Committee regarding legislation that would repeal a job-producing tax rate for privately-held American exporters.

The mortgage interest deduction is an important tax break that makes boating more affordable for the average family and supports the manufacturing jobs of hundreds of thousands of workers.

On November 1, 2005, NMMA sent a letter to President George W. Bush opposing the reduction of the current $1.1 million mortgage interest deduction cap by nearly 60% to 80% and making it unavailable for second residences, including boats. This cut will harm the industry by making boat ownership less affordable for the middle class.

NMMA, joined by such organizations as the US Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, signed a letter endorsing the Law of the Sea Convention. The letter was sent to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Jun 13, 2012.

NMMA joined other outdoor recreationl organizations in submitting a second set of comments on the Obama administration's national ocean policy.

NMMA commented on the plan, noting its absence of references to recreational boating and pointing out the economic contributions of recreational saltwater fishing to the country's economy.

NMMA signed this letter as part of a coalition that commented on the National Marine Protected Areas Center's request for external review. The letter specifically focuses on how well the NMPAC lives up to the requirements of various executive orders that require recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in marine protected areas. The letter also raises concern about the practice of allowing private entities, such as conservation groups, to fund such governmental activities as MPA planning initiatives.

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 submitted comments to the Ocean Policy Task Force on its Interim Report on October 16, 2009.

NMMA and PWIA on July 31, 2009 submitted joint comments on the Presidential Memorandum establishing an Ocean Policy Task Force.

On June 16, NMMA and PWIA sent a letter to the House Natural Resources Committee raising significant concerns with H.R. 21.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 on October 26, 2007 filed comments with Rep. Sam Farr (D-Calif.), on his Oceans-21 bill.

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.

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 joined a coalition of trade associations, conservation organizations and environmental groups to support strong funding levels for NOAA in fiscal year 2008.

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.

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.

VHPDA would amend the original bill passed in 1998 to clarify that the Act’s protections extend to both registered hull and deck designs to protect against a copycatting technique called “hull splashing.”

NMMA members have become victims of product counterfeiting. Read this fact sheet to learn more about what your company can do if your products are being illegally faked.

The U.S. recreational marine industry is not immune to the threat of counterfeiting and American manufacturers must take urgent action to protect their products, their reputations, their bottom lines, and their consumers.

Dave Blackburn, President & CEO of the Thomas G. Faria Corporation, testified before the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission on the impact of illegal Chinese counterfeiting on his company and the entire recreational marine industry.

A Practical and Legal Guide for Protecting Your Intellectual Property Rights - 2009

Letter asking that funding for the Fish and Wildlife Service not be cut

The Employee Free Choice Act would eliminate the secret ballot for employees and allow unfair practices by union organizers.

This represents NMMA's policy on trade, including the pending trade agreements with Panama, Colombia, and South Korea.

Free trade agreements, under the right conditions, eliminate tariffs and non-tariff trade barriers, open services markets, level the playing field for U.S. exporters, and inject new import competition into U.S. markets.

on January 23, 2012, NMMA and other organizations sent a letter to Eric Schwaab, Acting Asst. Sec. for Conservation and Management at the Commerce Department commenting on marine spatial planning and national oceans policy.

NMMA signed this letter as part of a coalition that commented on the National Marine Protected Areas Center's request for external review. The letter specifically focuses on how well the NMPAC lives up to the requirements of various executive orders that require recreational fishing as a sustainable activity in marine protected areas. The letter also raises concern about the practice of allowing private entities, such as conservation groups, to fund such governmental activities as MPA planning initiatives.

This letter was sent on October 11, 2011, to both Interior and NOAA by numerous organizations, including NMMA.

This letter was sent electronically on July 28, 2011, to House of Representatives members of the Congressional Boating Caucus urging their support for the Fishery Science Improvement Act of 2011.

Possible revisions to safety at sea guidelines. Comment letter was drafted by NMMA and signed by five other organizations.

NMMA submitted formal comment on Sept. 15, 2010 urging EPA to deny a request by environmental groups to ban lead in fishing tackle.

NMMA on April 9, 2010 joined its recreational fisheries partners in formal comments regarding the administration's Draft Catch Shares Policy.

NMMA and a broad coalition of recreational fishing and environmental organizations on April 9, 2010 called on NOAA to change its existing allocation structure as part of any new Catch Shares policy.

NMMA sent this letter to Sen. Schumer on Sept. 9, 2009.

NMMA sent this letter to Congressman Pallone on Sept. 9, 2009.

H.R. 5425 strikes an important balance between effective fisheries management and conservation and the economic viability of important fishing communities.

NMMA submitted a comment on Australia's proposal to close certain areas of the Coral Sea to recreational fishing. Australia is our third largest export boat market.

Working Waterfronts Act would expand available federal grant monies for recreational waterfront development projects.

Map of Capitol Hill with all ABC locations.

Letter signed by numerous manufacturers urging attention to the problem of mining rare earth minerals in the United States

Click here for Talking Points on the Clean Boating Act of 2008 and phone numbers to call your Senators today.

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.).

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.

Click here for a summary of EPA's permitting proposal for recreational boats, announced June 17, 2008.

Click here to read NMMA's press release on S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

Click here for a set of talking points on the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

Click here to read a copy of the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

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.

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 tells EPA that a new permit program for boats will have a devestating impact on boating

NMMA filed this second set of comments to EPA in response to its June 21, 2007 Notice.

EPA announces it will develop new permit program for boats

Use this informational face sheet to find out the best way to contact EPA about its new rule for recreational boat permits.

NMMA filed this brief to support EPA in its appeal of the Northwest Envt'l Advocates et. al. v. EPA district court decision

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.

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.

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.

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.

This White paper explains the Lacey Act and the amendments that the coalition of which NMMA is a member has proposed to it. This White Paper formed the basis for the amendment to HR 3210 that was adopted by the House Natural Resources Committee during its mark-up session on June 7, 2012.