Congress Restores 35-Year
EPA Recreational Boating Exemption
Sportfishing industry urges swift
Presidential approval
July 24, 2008 - Alexandria, Va. — The
American Sportfishing Association applauds the bi-partisan actions of
the House and Senate with their passage of S. 2766, the Clean Boating
Act of 2008. The act will permanently restore a long-standing exemption
for the nation’s 18 million recreational boats from permitting
requirements under the Clean Water Act. The legislation now goes to the
White House for the President’s signature.
Sens. Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representatives Jim Oberstar
(D-MN), Steve LaTourette (R-OH), Candice Miller (R-MI) and Gene Taylor (D-MS)
lead the Congressional action which permanently reverses a September 2006 court
decision which would have required recreational boaters to obtain a federal or
state permit in order to operate their boats, the same as commercial vessels.
Without the swift action of Congress, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
would have had to implement permit regulations for all recreational boats in
the country by October 1, 2008.
“This is a significant victory for recreational boaters and anglers,” said
ASA Vice President Gordon Robertson. “Our thanks and congratulations go
to the National Marine Manufacturers Association for leading the charge to see
that this Act was passed. It just goes to show what can be done when the entire
boating and angling community comes together for a common purpose.”
Robertson further said, “We urge the President to validate the
bi-partisan action of Congress by swiftly approving this bill.”
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The American
Sportfishing Association(ASA) is the
sportfishing industry’s trade association, committed to
looking out for the interests of the entire sportfishing community.
We give the industry a unified voice, speaking out on behalf
of sportfishing and boating industries, state and federal natural
resource agencies, conservation organizations, angler advocacy
groups and outdoor journalists when emerging laws and policies
could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing
itself. We invest in long-term ventures to ensure the industry
will remain strong and prosperous as well as safeguard and
promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing
in America. ASA also represents the interests of America’s
40 million anglers who generate over $45 billion in retail
sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy
creating employment for over one million people.
