Since its founding in 1966,
BoatUS has been the voice of recreational boat owners on Capitol
Hill and before the federal agencies in Washington. With the strength
of over half a million members behind us, our mission has been to fight unfair
federal taxes, fees and regulations that single out boat owners
and to work with state agencies to promote boating laws that make
sense.
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July 26, 2010
BoatU.S. joins broad industry coalition calling for science first when deciding on more ethanol in fuel
BoatU.S. joined 35 other organizations in sending a message to Majority Leader Harry Reid regarding efforts to force EPA to allow higher levels of ethanol in the nation's fuel supply. For a copy of the letter please go to the following link:
BoatU.S. supports legislation to bolster America's Waterway Watch
In a recent letter to Senator Susan Collins of Maine, Ranking Minority Member of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, BoatU.S. expressed our support for legislation being introduced that will bolster the America's Waterway Watch (AWW) program. For additional information on AWW go to the following link:
Recently questions have been raised about the carriage of small CO2 cylinders for inflatable life jackets onboard airlines. Boaters who depend on these important safety devices want a clear understanding of what is permitted before departing for their next trip.
According to the Transportation Security Administration’s web site it is permitted to carry two CO2 cylinders attached to the life jacket and two spare cylinders in either carry on or in checked baggage. The cylinders and life jacket must be presented as a unit. Go to the following link for the TSA brochure:
While they are specifically permitted, there have been reports of TSA screening personnel at security check points prohibiting these life jackets with CO2 cylinders in carry on luggage. To avoid any issues it is suggested that inflatable life jackets be placed in checked baggage along with a copy of the TSA brochure. If you do carry on, be prepared that it might be challenged at the security check point. Please let BoatU.S. know if you encounter this situation so we can work with the TSA to educate their employees. Please send an email with as much detail about the incident to govtaffairs@boatus.com.
May 28 , 2010
What’s going on with ethanol
About 75% of the gasoline available in the US now contains ethanol, at up to 10% concentration. Last year, Growth Energy, a group of ethanol manufacturers, formally asked EPA to consider allowing up to 15% ethanol in our country’s fuel stream. In the Renewable Fuels Act of 2007, the ethanol industry was mandated by law to produce more ethanol, and now the manufacturers say they are facing a “blend wall” where they can not sell all that they are required to produce.
EPA opened an official comment period on Growth Energy’s request on April 16th, 2009, and received tens of thousands of comments. Many of these comments were from boaters and the marine industry, asking for EPA to understand what effect increased ethanol will have on marine engines, before allowing a different fuel. There is a wide array of organizations concerned about more ethanol in fuel, including BoatU.S., much of the marine industry, outdoor power equipment users, food growers and some car manufacturers.
EPA has said that they expect to make a determination on the higher blend of fuel by late summer.
In Congress, S. 1666, The Mid Level Ethanol Blends Act, introduced by Senator Susan Collins from Maine, calls for EPA to report to Congress on the impact of the introduction of higher levels of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. This bill now carries 6 additional cosponsors, including Senator Richard Burr (NC), Senator Ben Cardin (MD), Senator Mary Landrieu (LA), Senator David Vitter (LA), Senator Jim Webb (VA), and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (RI). We encourage anyone concerned about getting the facts before more ethanol is allowed in our fuel to ask your Senator to sign on to this bill. Go to:
Select your state to determine your senators.
Your message should include the following:
• The current 10-percent ethanol blend known as E-10 has caused significant problems for marine engines and boat fuel systems, in some cases necessitating expensive replacement of in-hull fiberglass fuel tanks.
• EPA should not approve E-15 before doing a through study of its impact on marine and other non-road engines.
• No boat in use or on the market today has been designed — or is warranted — to run fuel with greater than 10-percent ethanol.
April 29 , 2010
Illinois Life Jacket Legislation
The Ilinois House of Representatives rejected the proposed legislation, SB 3060, that would have required the sole occupant of a boat less than 26' in length to wear a life jacket. The vote was 32 yeas and 73 nays, soundly rejecting this proposal. This legislation will now be tabled for 2010 but could reappear in future legislatures.
April 22 , 2010
Illinois Action Alert
BoatU.S. members are urged to contact their state represenatives regarding legislation that would require boaters who are the sole occupant of a boat less than 26' in length wear a life jacket.
Additional information regarding this legislation can be found here
April 21 , 2010
Florida Action Alert
BoatU.S. members are urged to contact their state representatives regarding legislation that will help lower costs for waterfront business such as marinas and boat yards. Please click here for our full Florida action alert.
April 14 , 2010
Boaters should ask their Senators to sponsor S. 1666, legislation to require the Administrator of the EPA to satisfy certain conditions before allowing higher levels of ethanol in the fuel supply.
Ask your two Senators to sponsor S. 1666, legislation introduced by Senator Collins of Maine, that would require EPA to perform testing and report on the impact of mid-level ethanol blends on non-road engines which includes boat motors. A copy of this legislation can be found here. You can find contact information for your Senators at the following web link:
You could also request your member of the House of Represenative sponsor similar legislation. To find out who is your Representative go to the following web link:
BoatU.S has submitted comments to the Enviromental Protection Agecny regarding a draft report to Congress on discharges incidental to normal operation of commercial fishing vessels and other non-recreational vessels less than 79’. Clicke here to review the comments.
March 15, 2010
Member Alert on Maryland No Discharge Zone
Click here for information on the proposed no discharge zone in Maryland.
February 16, 2010
BoatU.S. Comments on Coast Guard policy for nationwide sharing of information from automatic identification system broadcasts
BoatU.S. has submitted comments to the United States Coast Guard on its proposed policy for the sharing of information it gathers via the nationwide automatic identification system. A copy of the proposed policy can be found here. BoatU.S. comments can be found here.
February 12 , 2010
BoatU.S. Comments on Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning
BoatU.S. has submitted comments to the White House Counicil on Enviromental Quality on its Interim Framework for Effective Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning. A copy of the comments can be found here.
January 20, 2010
Coast Guard Turns Off Loran-C
Effective February 8, the U.S. Coast Guard will begin decommissioning Loran-C radio navigation stations as “obsolete technology.” The cost-cutting measure called for in the President’s fiscal 2010 budget is justified, the agency says, because the global positioning system, or GPS, has effectively replaced Loran-C. The Canadian Coast Guard is following suit and all stations should go dark by October.
The exception to the termination program now underway is U.S and Canadian stations operated under international agreements, including with Russia (Bering Sea), which will operate “temporarily,” according the agency.
January 2, 2010
Congress is considering a number bills related to ocean management that could impact recreational boating and fishing. BoatU.S is monitoring these bills on an active basis. Click here for a summary of current legislation.
December 9, 2009
The Ethanol Debate, Part Two Margaret Podlich of BoatUS Argues Against E15
As the EPA considers whether to raise the limit for ethanol in blended gasoline to 15 percent, Margaret Podlich, Vice President of Governmental Affairs for BoatUS, argues that more testing is needed first.
Recorded: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Running Time: 30 minutes
BoatUS testifies before the House Coast Guard & Maritime
Transportation Subcommittee regarding Maritime Domain Awarness and
potential requirements that boats carry airplane style transponders
Airplane transponders allow air traffic controllers to “see” who is in the sky. In speaking before the US House of Representatives Coast Guard Subcommittee, BoatUS testified that any potential requirement for this type of technology on boats is not practical, nor would it reduce the threat of a waterborne attack.
BoatUS believes the U.S. Coast Guard would have better results addressing the small boat threat if the agency’s own America's Waterway Watch program (AWW) had better funding and infrastructure support. Similar to a neighborhood watch program, America’s Waterway Watch treats boaters as part of the solution rather than part of the problem.
A copy of BoatU.S's. testimony can be found by clicking here.
The Environmental Protection Agency has delayed a decision on a petition from the ethanol industry to allow a greater amount of ethanol to be mixed with gasoline. A BoatU.S. statement about this decision can be found here: EPA Delays Decision on Ethanol Press Release
A copy of the notice from the EPA can be found here
November 16, 2009
Chicago Ship Canal to temporarily close
The United States Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers has notified the publc that the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal will be closed starting December 2nd for four or five days. The closure is to allow maintenance of the electronic fish dispersal barrier. No recreational or commercial vessels will be allowed to transit the area during the closure.
Additional information can be found by clicking here.
November 2, 2009
Ethanol Legislation Could Protect Your Engine
A bill now in Congress, S. 1666, could help ensure that all ethanol-blended gasoline sold is compatible with boat engines currently in use as well all other types of gasoline engines.
S.1666, the “Mid-Level Ethanol Blends Act of 2009” requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to study the compatibility of blended fuels with current engines and fuel systems before it could allow ethanol concentrations higher than 10-percent.
The current, 10-percent ethanol blend known as E-10 has caused significant problems for marine engines and boat fuel systems, in some cases necessitating expensive replacement of in-hull fiberglass fuel tanks. No boat in use or on the market today has been designed — or is warranted — to run fuel with greater than 10-percent ethanol.
S. 1666 is supported by BoatU.S. and a diverse coalition of organizations, including environmental groups, engine manufacturers, food groups, consumer groups, and refiners. To ask your Senators to cosponsor S. 1666, go to this link.
For more information on the ethanol problem, see National Marine Manufactures Association information web site at this link.
October 16, 2009
BoatU.S. Comments on White House Ocean Policy Report
The Interagecy Ocean Policy Task Force recommend broad changes in how the government manages federal waters. These changes could affect recreational boater access both to and on the water. Click here for comments filed by BoatU.S. on the report from the President's Council on Enviromental Quality.
September 11, 2009
Great News for Great Loop Cruisers: Coast Guard To Allow Recreational Boats To Transit The Chicago Ship Canal Fish Barrier
Following several weeks of effort by BoatU.S. and the America's Great Loop Cruisers Association, new procedures were announced today by the U.S. Coast Guard to reopen the Chicago Ship Channel electric fish barrier. Since the middle of August unescorted recreational boats have been prohibited from moving through this area due to an increase in its voltage.
BoatU.S. greatly appreciates the coordination of the U.S. Coast Guard and the Army Corps of Engineers to both prevent Asian Carp from reaching the Great Lakes and to accommodate continued navigation by recreational and commercial boats.
There are specific safety requirements and no boats under 20' are allowed. Click here for information from the Coast Guard on these procedures.
September 11, 2009
National Park Service Proposing Changes to Fisheries Management in Biscayne National Park
The National Park Service (NPS) is developing a new fisheries management plan for Biscayne National Park. Of the five proposed alternative plans, three of them could make significant changes in sportfishing regulations and would require all boats engaged in any recreational activity in the Park to have a recreational use permit.
New Canadian Boater Education Requirement Could Impact U.S. Boaters
Effective September 15, 2009, Canada is requiring all operators of
recreational craft in Canada obtain a “Pleasure Craft Operator
Card.” It may or may not apply to boaters from the United States
depending on several factors:
This requirement does apply to non-residents:
• If they operate their pleasure craft
in Canadian waters for more than 45 consecutive days or,
•If they operate a pleasure craft that is licensed or registered
in Canada (including rented or chartered boats).
For non-residents who are required to comply with this requirement
the following methods can be used to show proof of competency:
• A Canadian-issued pleasure craft
operator card.
• A completed boat rental safety check-list (for power-driven
rental boats).
• An operator card or equivalent that meets the requirements
of their state or country.
NEW BoatUS Anchoring Information for Florida Cruisers!
For several years, certain local cities and
counties in Florida have been restricting the length of time that
boats are allowed to anchor. Legislative changes were made recently
to Florida law which should increase the boater’s ability to
anchor within Florida. Some changes take effect July 1, 2009 and
others on October 1, 2009.
Unfortunately, many local law enforcement personnel
appear to be unaware of the changes. Boaters continue to be
told by some officials that they are subject to anchoring limits.
BoatU.S. has researched and written a fact sheet about the anchoring
portions of the law, with citations. If you or a friend are cruising
in Florida and intend to put down a hook, we strongly advise you to
read this sheet and carry it with you on the boat. Click here for the
Anchoring Information Sheet.
Ethanol-15 in Fuel - Comment period extended to July 20
Strong pro-ethanol advocates are pushing the Obama Administration and
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to
increase ethanol
levels in gasoline to 15% (E15). As you may have read in BoatUS Magazine,
ethanol at the currently allowed 10% (E10) level has been shown to
cause significant problems for some marine engines and boat fuel
systems.
May 18, 2009
Comment Period Extended to July 20 - EPA has extended the comment
period for E15 to July 20. Please take the time now to email EPA, if
you haven’t already, asking them to test E15 before allowing
it for use.
Click
Here To read the BoatUS Article - A Serious Problem, A Corny
Solution
Click
Here To read Ethanol Industry's 15% Solution Raises Concern
from May 8, 2009
Click
Here To read Laboratory Will Not Certify Pumps for Gas With
15% Ethanol from May 8, 2009
Click
Here To read EPA Considers Higher Ethanol Mix from April 17,
2009
Click
Here To read A Slugfest Over Higher Ethanol Blends from March
6, 2009
Click
here to view the March 26th, 2009 Coalition letter to EPA from
BoatUS and others!
Click
here to view BoatUS Press Release: Boaters Urged to Speak Up
on Ethanol Increase Before July 20 Deadline
June 2009
USCG Appropriations Bill to Continue LORAN
S1194 reauthorizes the Coast Guard for fiscal
years 2010 and 2011. Section
603 maintains LORAN-C and allows for the growth for eLORAN.
Working Waterfronts Bill Needs Congressional Co-sponsors
May 2009
A bill in Congress that would provide federal
funding to coastal and Great Lakes states to help preserve and expand
water access and protect their working waterfronts needs cosponsors
in the U.S. House of Representatives. H.R. 2548, the Keep
America's Waterfronts Working Act of 2009, introduced in May by Rep. Chellie
Pingree, (D-ME), would provide matching grants through state coastal
zone management programs to support “water
dependent commercial activities.”
The bill, cosponsored by Rep. Lois Capps (D-CA),
incorporates key elements of a strategy to preserve access that attendees
at the Working Waterways and Waterfronts symposium developed in May
2007 (see “Access
Summit Shares Solutions,” BoatU.S. Magazine, July 2007). The
bill is particularly timely in that it would amend the federal Coastal
Zone Management Act, now up for congressional reauthorization.
Local governments to use grant funds could purchase a threatened marina
outright or a non-profit entity could obtain a grant to buy development
rights in order to keep a working boatyard in business, rather than
see it sold for residential development.
Grants made under the Pingree bill must “provide for expansion
or improvement of public access to coastal waters” and be matched
at 25% by non-federal funds. The act would authorize $25 million, $50
million and $75 million to the states over three successive years.
Rep. Pingree is seeking cosponsors for H.R. 2548 and boaters can help
get this landmark legislation passed by urging their own members of
Congress to sign-on. To contact your member of Congress, click
here.
March 2009
Big Ocean Bill Moving in Congress
A major piece of ocean legislation is moving through the 111th Congress
and could get strong support after languishing in the last Congress.
The Ocean Conservation, Education And National
Strategy for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 21), now simply dubbed “Oceans 21,” had
its first hearing in the House June 18. The bill, sponsored by Rep.
Sam Farr (D-CA), is based on policy recommendations put forth by the
Pew Oceans Commission in 2003 and the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy
the following year.
The bill would, among other things, establish a national ocean policy,
codify the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as
an independent federal agency, establish regional ocean governance
models and create an ocean advisor to the president. To read the full
bill text: Click Here
Click
here to read testimony of witnesses in the
June 18 hearing before the House Natural Resources Committee’s
Subcommittee on Insular Affairs, Oceans and Wildlife.
June 9, 2009
The Coastal Commission Staff have issued the following Project Description:
In the proposed City of Dana Point Amendment request, the City proposes
to amend the Local Coastal Program Land Use Plan to incorporate the
proposed Dana Point Harbor Revitalization Plan (replacing those sections
of the Dana Point Specific Plan relevant to the Dana Point Harbor (1986
LCP), that would establish new land use designations and boundaries
throughout the harbor; expand allowable development by approximately
153,000 square feet (all uses) including commercial development (+7,300
square feet retail/+50,000 square feet restaurant), enlarged hotel
(136 rooms to 220 rooms) plus conference facilities, new marine retail
(9,100 square feet), among other expanded uses; change parking requirements;
reduce space allocated for surface boat storage; and change height
limits to allow for 65 ft. high dry stack storage building for 400
boats and up to 60 ft. high commercial buildings.
Effort to Preserve Cal Boating Continues after Proposal
Taken off Agenda
Sacramento – Thanks to boaters' grassroots action the California
Senate Budget and Fiscal Review Subcommittee #2 removed from its May
14 meeting agenda the Governor’s proposed elimination of the
independent Department of Boating and Waterways – known as Cal
Boating.But it's far from over! Every Cal boater should write their
Assembly Member and Senator.
Click here to view more!
Clear Lake, Texas
April 10, 2009
Workshop for Recreational Boaters to Contribute to Ocean Observing
System Development in the Gulf of Mexico.
There is a new version of HB 1423, not yet available through the legislature
website, but click
here to view all of it's 64 pages! (Remember that
this bill format shows existing language in regular type. Deletions
are shown crossed out while additions are underlined.)
BoatUS is in strong support of this legislation as it's written today,
because it clarifies that the counties can work on the derelict vessel
issue without hampering legitimate cruising. It also implements mandatory
boating safety education for those born after January 1, 1988 and operation
a boat with 10 hp or more. It repeals the FL fishing license shoreline
exemption (so that FL anglers will not have o pay a second federal
license fee.) It also sets up pilot mooring field projects with guidlines
subject to a whole lot of public review.
Stand by as this issue continues to evolve.
April 7, 2009
Viginia No Discharge Zone Take Effect July 1, 2009
HB1774, which establishes a no discharge zone for vessels operating
in designated areas, was signed by the Governor on 3/27 and will go
into effect on July 1, 2009. Any vessels operating in these areas will
be prohibited from discharging treated and untreated waste into the
waters. However, the no discharge rule can only be established and
enforced on tidal creeks where the US Environmental Protection Agency
has determined that sufficient pumpout facilities exist for the removal
of sewage.
Action Needed: WA Boating Safety Funds
in Jeopardy
Starting Monday, lawmakers in Olympia will vote on two bills, SB 5691
and HB 1848, that could jeopardize federal funding for boating safety
programs that are critically important to Washington boaters.
These bills (which are identical) would move portions of current federal
boating safety funds to more specifically focus on marine law enforcement
programs. This would end up shortchanging other important boating safety
and education programs. Additionally, according to the U.S. Coast Guard,
it may jeopardize the State's Eligibility for this important federal
funding.
Please contact your legislators now and ask
them to vote NO on Senate Bill 5691 and House Bill 1848. Call the state legislative hotline;
they’ll identify your legislators and leave messages for both
the Senate and House.
Boat Owners May Have Federal Tax Benefits Available
Recreational boat owners who paid state sales
taxes on a boat purchase, or those who secured a bank loan to finance
a boat, may have some tax deductions available when filing their
2008 federal income tax return.
EPA Discharge Permit Requirement for Recreational Boats
President Bush Signs Clean Boating Act of 2008!
It's a great day for boating! Last night on
the way home from Ohio on Air Force One, the President signed S.
2766 "The Clean Boating
Act of 2008" into law. This picture shows Representatives Steven
C. LaTourette (R-OH), a champion of this common sense legislation and
Patrick Tiberi (R-OH). Thank you to the thousands of boaters nationwide
who helped get this important bill passed into law!
To view a copy of S. 2766, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" Click
Here.
