DRAFT EPA PERMIT OPENS PANDORA'S BOX

July 30, 2008 —

Clean Boating Act Now Law

Last night aboard Air Force One, President Bush signed the Clean Boating Act of 2008 into law. This is welcome news for the fishing and boating community. The law was enacted just two days before the public comment period closes on what would have been a devastating new EPA regulation.  

The law permanently restores a long-standing exemption for recreational boats from permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act. It became necessary after a U.S. District Court decision in September 2006 which potentially subjected approximately 17 million recreational boats to permitting requirements under the Clean Water Act. These permits would have been expensive and subjected recreational boaters to maintenance and operation procedures that were designed for industrial polluters.

Congress and the President have given anglers and boaters a much needed victory. The angling and boating communities came together like never before, and successfully convinced our political leaders that this regulation placed an undue burden on the millions of recreational boaters around the country.

My thanks to the BR members for their quick response to the many calls to action that went out at various times throughout this legislative course. With your help and the leadership of BassResource.com, the National Marine Manufacturers Association and others, we demonstrated the collective power of the outdoor community.