I hope I am not violating any forum policies by posting this.  If I have I appologize and ask you to remove this post.

Recreational boating is one of the most enjoyable American pastimes for 73

million boaters nationwide to spend time together outside enjoying our

natural treasures with friends and family. But, unless Congressional

action is taken soon to pass S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008, the

estimated 18 million recreational boats in this country could be subjected

to sweeping new regulations and permit requirements intended for

commercial ships with ballast water tanks, preventing boaters from

enjoying this great past time.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced on June 20, 2007, that

they will begin moving forward with a new and unprecedented permitting

scheme for recreational boats to comply with a September 2006 landmark

ballast water court ruling. Under the ruling, EPA will have to devise a

permitting scheme by September 30, 2008, for engine cooling water, bilge

water, gray water, and deck runoff from recreational boats previously

exempted under the Clean Water Act.

For 34 years recreational vessels have been exempted by EPA from National

Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits for these effluents

deemed normal to the operation of vessels. These permits are more

commonly applied to large commercial sites and water treatment facilities.

However, the court struck this exemption down because it also exempted

ballast water discharges from large ocean going commercial ships that have

introduced damaging aquatic invasive species into U.S. waters for many

years through their ballast water discharges. The court's decision was

intended to protect the environment and local communities, but it will now

unfortunately toss recreational boats into the same category as commercial

cargo ships. This was clearly never the intention of the law, or the EPA.

Another example of less than well thought out management!

Sounds like a whole bunch of overpaid politicians with nothing better to do than to sit around and complain about the boats people drive.

      (sorry I do not like politicians)

                -searoach

So how can we get involved?

And I don't think that recreational boating will end soon because there is a huge industry in boating

Its not like its gonna end

They have been trying to get rid of 2 stroke motors for years and that never happened

So how can we get involved?

And I don't think that recreational boating will end soon because there is a huge industry in boating

Its not like its gonna end

They have been trying to get rid of 2 stroke motors for years and that never happened

Don't ever think never.  These are just the kinds of openings that enviromental and extremist groups like PETA look for to attack your outdoor rights.  Take a quick minute and write your representatives and tell them how you feel about this misguided policy.

Google this "S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008"

Read up on this, form an oppinion then call your local Sen, Rep's.

Contact your representatives and let them know your feelings about this issue before they vote on it.  I wrote an email to both of mine.