Please Co-Sponsor S. 2766 or H.R. 5949 – they are identical bills – the "Clean Boating Act of 2008." Committees on BOTH houses have PASSED this BI-PARTISAN Legislation!

1,028 People Have Sent 9,691 Letters and Emails

Sign the Petition

Some recent comments: these messages are published with permission of the signer.

Total Signers: 1,028    View More: 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3    2 1

  1. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 4:51 PM    link Robert W. | Maurepas, LA

  2. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 4:11 PM    link Duane H. | Laurel, MT

    I find it very important to keep the thoughts of Montanans involved when you vote on this bill. Being able to fish and recreate on our waters without giving most of our economic stimulus check back to the government seems very logical to me.

    Please vote to PASS this Bill.

    Cordially,

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  4. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 3:46 PM    link Charles M. | Omaha,, NE

  5. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 2:11 PM    link Jerome G. | Eagle River, AK

    Alaska Boaters need your support.

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  7. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 1:43 PM    link Stan S. | Park City, UT

  8. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 1:41 PM    link Ron Z. | Johnsburg, IL

    I endorse the referenced bill and suggest that you do the same on behalf of Illinois boat owners.

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  10. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 12:56 PM    link William M. | Deer Park, NY

  11. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 10:00 AM    link Lee F. | Charleston, SC

    Please help get this bill passed. I am in the marine business that helps drive the economy to make our country stronger. I work for Jarrett Bay Yacht Sales and we have offices all over the east coast. Our company sells hundreds of millions of dollars in boats, yachts and services, which create and maintain jobs and stimulate the economy. People spending money on fun is good for the mind, family & friends and the economic welfare of SC and the USA! I will help however I can if I am asked by you, just let me know what I can do to assist you in this matter.
    Thank you very much,
    Lee Falls

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  13. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 4:25 AM    link louis b. | virginia beach, VA

    i own 2 recreational boats, neither of which has any kind of discharge into the ocean. please help pass S.2766. if not this would be a gross injustice to all recreational boaters.

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  15. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 10:19 PM    link Stephen B. | Clearwater, FL

    Please do not kill our industry. Things are already tight enough already. These are real people with real children and real mouths to feed. Don't rob Peter to pay Paul and cost us jobs in the meantime.

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  17. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 8:34 PM    link JOHN J. | Palmetto, FL

  18. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 6:42 PM    link Vic S. | Lake Areil, PA

  19. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 6:07 PM    link Michael G. | Winter Springs, FL

    Please help us the RECREATIONAL BOATERS, we are paying enough for everything else. Thank you!

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  21. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 5:36 PM    link Rick C. | Lake Panasoffkee, FL

    With the problems this country is having...high fuel cost, health cost, consumer cost (groceries etc),
    etc. etc. why pick on the average boater with one of the few "relaxations" we have left!

    Thank you for Co-sponsoring the "Clean Boating Act of 2008".

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  23. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 5:19 PM    link James S. | North Augusta, SC

    Too much goverment where it's not really needed

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  25. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 5:06 PM    link William B. | Earlsboro, OK

  26. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 4:31 PM    link thomas e. | washington, WV

    the epa should have more important things to do than woory about pleasure boats

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  28. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 3:11 PM    link george k. | Williamsburg, VA

    Bill S.2766 will kill the boating industry in Virginia.We need the recreational boater to help our economy ,from boat owners to marina operators and all businesses associated with this industry.

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  30. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 2:35 PM    link Gerald B. | Edgemere, MD

    Please support this Bill. The only thing that will happen if this bill is not passed is that maney people in the boating industry will be forced out of bussiness. The jobless rate for the state of Maryland will increase.

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  32. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 2:09 PM    link Richard R. | Johnsburg, IL

  33. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 1:03 PM    link Steve S. | Brentwood, CA

  34. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 12:28 PM    link Jason M. | Gurnee, IL

  35. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 11:21 AM    link Kevin Lyon L. | Wake Forest, NC

    Relieveing recreational boat owners of this requirement will also preclude any deepening of the credit crisis in the US. A permitting requirement may cause boat owners to simply walk away from their boats and loan payments.

    Please sponsor this initiative.

    Thank you,
    Kevin Lyon

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  37. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 11:02 AM    link Bill B. | Yukon, OK

    I have just entered into the boating recreation. 2 years ago, I purchased my first boat and it was used. I like being on the water. It is a great relaxation tool for me. Whether I am alone or with friends, being in my boat is just plain relaxing. Last year, I purchased a new boat and simply love it. With the price of gas, trips to the lake might not be as often, but should I have to purchase the EPA permit, it could actually cause me to have to sell the boat and deny myself and my family one of the few pleasures of nature that are still left in America. Please consider co-sponsoring this bill and allow all boaters to continue to enjoy the pleasure and enjoyment of water sports. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION.

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  39. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 10:52 AM    link Harold M. | Camano Island, WA

  40. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 10:26 AM    link Jerome L. | Binghamton, NY

    The intent of the original bill was for commercial shipping and not recreational boating. However, by mistake. recreational boating was included. By supporting the above bill, you will still be fulfilling the orginal bill's intention while exempting recreational boaters.

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  42. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:52 AM    link Tony F. | Pinckney, MI

    Dear Senator,

    I have been a registered boater now for 25 years and I have just heard about the bill that would ruin boating here in Michigan. Please don't add more restrictions and taxes to our boating economy here in a troubled state. Boating here in Michigan is one of the biggest industries, kind of like automotive once was. Don't let this destroy us! Lets worry about more important items like smaller government and LESS taxes!

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  44. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:37 AM    link thomas d. | SAFETY HARBOR, FL

    Senator Nelson,
    Thank you for this clear headed legislation. As a Florida resident and boater for more than 30 years you have my support to continue to promote this bill.

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  46. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:30 AM    link WILLIAM S. | Houston, TX

    I cannot express myself in strong enough terms regarding this legislation. Co-sponsor and pass it! For once do something that helps your contituents and not yourseslf. Hell have no wrath like that of a woman scorned and I can assure you that voters WILL remember you lack of support for this kind of positive legislation. PASS IT and remeber that Texas has the third largest concentration of pleasure boats in the nation. We have the money to support our issues and we do vote!

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  48. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:27 AM    link Nik S. | Freeburg, IL

  49. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:26 AM    link Brian F. | Brick, NJ

  50. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:23 AM    link Steve J. | Mckinney, TX

  51. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 9:14 AM    link Robert T. | Altamonte Springs, FL

    With sky rocketing gas prices, new fishing regulations, and a down turn in the economy it has created a anti boater climate. My boat is impossible for me to sell and almost unaffordable to maintain. Right now I can can hardly afford the gas to tow my boat to the coast, forget about running it. The government in my opinion is really sticking to us, not only are you doing nothing to help, but it looks as if the government is doing everything in its power to make things worse. Do the right thing and support this bill against a ridiculous policy.

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  53. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 8:13 AM    link Darrin H. | Bellevue, NE

    Is it any wonder why the average American doesn't trust the government anymore?
    I have a boat. My dad has boat. My brother has a boat.
    Most of my friends have boats. We all boat together every summer.

    We all vote.

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  55. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 8:10 AM    link Kenneth B. | Old Hickory, TN

    This Bill will also cost tax payers millions of dollars in developing a permitting program and policing the program. I appeal to your common since to support Senator Boxer's and Nelson's Bill S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

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  57. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 7:17 AM    link EDDY T. | PEORIA, IL

    I BELIEVE THIS IS A TERRIBLE BILL, NO DIFFERNT THAN WASHING A CAR. I USE ENVIONMENTALLY FRENDLY CLEANING PRODUCTS WHEN I CLEAN MY BOAT. BOAT EXAUST IN THE WATER, LETS START WITH CAR EXAUST, LOTS MORE BANG, FOR THE BULL!

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  59. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 6:35 AM    link Kent B. | Hinton, WV

    Please DO NOT put his permit requirement on "small craft" boaters...we aren't hugh ship operators but just families wanting to enjoy our lakes and rivers..please help us!!!!

    Thank you/J. Kent Bartgis

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  61. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 5:33 AM    link Bruce R. | Lorton, VA

    Ladies and Gentleman,
    S2766 Must be passed! To not pass this would be the dumbest thing in the world. Look at what it will do to recreational boaters. Besides, after everyone finds out the hardships how many boat owners do think will support you after the hardships they will endure?
    Just a thought. Please do the right thing and support Senators Barbara Boxer and Bill Nelson.

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  63. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 1:16 AM    link Dan W. | Federal Way, WA

  64. Thu., Mar. 27, 2008 12:33 AM    link Philip L. | S Milwaukee, WI

    I am writing to bring to your attention a matter of great importance to my company and the boating industry and ask for your support. As you may know, due to a recent federal court decision, all recreational boats will, by September of 2008, be required to obtain a federal or state permit to operate their vessel.

    • Although the court case was about regulating ballast water from foreign ships, its broad ruling overturned a 35 year old exemption that applied to the water-based, incidental discharges of all vessels, including recreational boats.

    • This means that, for things like rainwater run-off and engine cooling water, my consumers will have to go through a complex and potentially costly federal and state bureaucracy to get a permit just to go out of the water with their friends and family. They may have to get multiple permits if they operate in different states.

    • As you can imagine, this is going to drive people away from boating. We are trying very hard to get people into the boating lifestyle, which is supposed to be about fun, family and friends. These permits are going to cost our industry consumers, and their going to cost my business jobs.

    • Let me just be clear about this. We are talking about incidental, water-based discharges. Oil, raw sewage, hazardous pollutants and garbage—these are already regulated. Forcing family boaters to get commercial permits makes no sense.

    • There is currently bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Environment and Public Works Chair Barbara Boxer and Senator Bill Nelson and others that would restore—for recreational boats—the longstanding, commonsense exemption for incidental discharges. This bill is S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. We ask you to cosponsor this bill.

    • We are running out of time. In September of 2008—a few months from now—this permitting system must go into effect. We need Congressional relief now.

    Thank you.

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  66. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 10:52 PM    link George S. | Santa Barbara, CA

  67. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 10:19 PM    link Paul B. | Yorkville, IL

    I would like to know why you have not co-sponsored this bill? To see our good ol USofA turn into the Russians, as the haves and the have nots, with no middle class to exist. The future is decided by you for us the many, and not for the few who only want it their way. If you could co-sponsor this bill you would be saving a lot of jobs throughout the USA and not have the aftermath to deal with if this bill fails. It is all reall simple, have a middle class that pays normal taxes, or have no middle class that doesnt pay any taxes. A look at Russia should be enough to make up your mind.

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  69. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 9:29 PM    link Ron Y. | Snellville, GA

    Another example of big brother trying to stick his hand in our pocket for more more more!!!!!!

    come on...pass this bill. do something for people.....

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  71. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 9:22 PM    link Donald G S. | Punta Gorda, FL

    Stop supporting special interests and support the American people for a change. This has not been done for some time now. Your acceptance of the lobbyist favors is nothing short of a bribe. I will watch the support of this effort and I will vote again.

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  73. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 9:22 PM    link Bret A. | Chesapeake, VA

  74. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 9:10 PM    link Richard R. | Merritt Island, FL

    Senator Nelson,
    Thanks for sponsoring this much needed bill.

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  76. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:43 PM    link Gregory A. | Solon, OH

    Boaters are more concerned about keeping our waters clean than any other group; don't penalize the true guardians of the seas. Pass S 2776.

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  78. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:40 PM    link Damian H. | Cincinnati, OH

    Please help pass the Clean Boating Act. Recreational boating was a huge part of my wife and I's childhood, and with the added cost of an EPA permit it would be very hard to pass this experience on to our children.

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  80. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:27 PM    link Jeff S. | Glendale, AZ

    Please stop this from taking effect.

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  82. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:21 PM    link John S. | North East, MD

    I currently pay 9 different taxes out of my pay already. How much does the average working man have to bleed to do his part for sociaty? I am already pissed about how much our government is taking advantage of ordinary people. When does the fleecing stop? Slavery is alive and strong today in these United States!! We work more than half the year for uncle sam already.

    PLEASE STOP TAXING US

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  84. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:10 PM    link Richard M. | Glen Gardner, NJ

  85. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:08 PM    link Andrew M. | Portsmouth, RI

  86. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 8:05 PM    link John K. | Pleasant Valley, CT

    Given the 35 year history of this reasonable exemption, the extremey high workload the ruling would place on the EPA, and the very real risk that imposition of such a seemingly useless regulation would take support away from very real environmental issues the EPA needs to be focused on, I hope you will add your active support to this bill to make what was apparently Congress' original intent clear and permanent.

    Thank you.

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  88. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 7:57 PM    link Kenneth C. | Bixby, OK

  89. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 7:52 PM    link Mark M. | Charlotte, NC

    Please vote for S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. I own a pontoon boat on Lake Wylie, NC and this government interference in my family's recreational life is ridiculous.

    I'm a staunch Conservative Republican and I'm surprised and skeptical of Boxer's and Nelson's intent and timing of this Act. Regardless, I support the Act.

    Best regards,

    Mark Miralia

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  91. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 7:47 PM    link Ann B. | highland Mills, NY

    Boating is the american way. With the crazy gas prices, boating as we once knew it may be over if this bill doesn't pass. Keep the inalienable right of freedom to fish and enjoy ones lives with the beauty of the sea. Pass the clean boat act of 2008.

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  93. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 7:37 PM    link Daniel S. M. | pembroke pines, FL

    It is starting to feel more and more, like my goverment instead of taking steps to take care of this country, ex: illegal immigration, open borders, not drilling for oil (let the chincon come to cuba and get it instead) are wasting my/our tax dollars in stupidity, stop running the country into the ground, let the land of the free, be the great country it used to be, let the people be proud again.

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  95. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 7:17 PM    link Stephen D. | Prairieville, LA

    After reading this article on the exemption that was cancelled I could not beleive what I was reading.Please fully support this bill to keep recreational boaters and the industry alive.As a parent I use my boat for family activities with my friends and children.Please correct this oversight before it is out of control.....

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  97. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:56 PM    link William B. | Canton, GA

    Please sponsor this bill.
    The only discharge recreational boaters have is fresh water bilge and nominal normal oil discharge that may occur when the engine is running.
    With the current taxes already imposed on boaters (luxury, sales,State dmv for tags etc. )this will harm the average persons time on the water with there families.

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  99. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:41 PM    link Sheila F. | Half Moon Bay, CA

  100. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:38 PM    link David P. | Smyrna, GA

    With an end to the drought in sight it would be a terrible blow to the economy around our georgia lakes if this act is not passed. The drought already forced many marine businesses into bankruptcy, costing jobs, and housing prices are sliding further downward. Let's not add to the problem. Please support this Act!

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  102. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:28 PM    link roger p. | Huntington, NY

  103. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:26 PM    link Jim W. | North Street, MI

    Recreational boating in Michigan provides a valuable economic boost in a great number of ways to the states overall health. And not just during our summer period. Without passage of S 2766 The Clean Boating Act of 2008 , it likely would trigger tremendous economic and political calamity state wide.

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  105. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 6:17 PM    link Leland J. | Riverton, UT

  106. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:50 PM    link Stephen M. | Waukesha, WI

  107. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:34 PM    link Dennis V. | Marshfield, MA

    Dear Senator,

    The boating public and industry has been decimated by fees, fines and road taxed gasoline and boating as we know it will not exist with anymore government regulations.

    We must stop this mentality to the boating public in these days of economic decline. Please support this bill so we do not have to pay anymore permit fees.

    This EPA permit bill will bring me over the edge and if the S.2766 bill does not pass I will sell my boat and end my 25 years of boating. I have had enough of government regulations that are meaningless.

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  109. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:26 PM    link WILLIAM P. | Mckinney, TX

  110. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:26 PM    link Steve S. | Van Nuys, CA

    This is complete nonsense and will kill the boating business. There are already environmentally safe boat cleaning products that most harbors already require. This is complete government abuse of "power". This will benefit no one and harm everyone.

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  112. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:26 PM    link Joel T. | Spring Lake, MI

    Surely this is a very important bill for Michigan! Boaters are facing a much higher usage cost already with rising fuel prices. We absolutely can't make it even more difficult for this important segment of our tourist industry. For our boating citizens and those whose livelyhood are dependant on our tourism industry this is a critical issue.

    I am counting on you!

    thanks

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  114. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 5:11 PM    link Bob H. | Williamstown, NJ

    Please lets stop the nonsense with this stupid bill and just get the electric and hyogen technoloies in the boating market and stop the corruption between big business and goverment.

    At least this company is going in the right direction.

    http://www.zapworld.com/marine-ev

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  116. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 4:46 PM    link David R. | Appleton, WI

    I am not only a Boat owner but also work for a company that supplies the marine industry. We have over 150 employees between two divisions that would be affected by a drop in the industry.

    With the industry already in a downturn market due to the economy any additional losses could be catastrophic. Please seriously consider co-sponsoring this bill.

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  118. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 4:31 PM    link Timothy S. | Hudson, NY

    It is ludicris to expect recreational boaters to have permits for incidental discharges and the government knows it. How this exemption was left out shows just how irresposibe our government, ( For the people, by the people ) has gotten.

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  120. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 4:23 PM    link Herbert K. | Marshfield Hills, MA

    The vast, vast majority of recreational boaters are extremely conscious of the disposal of polluting agents into the harbors and oceans they boat in. The bill being presented is nothing more than an excuse to collect more permit fees. I don't own a megayacht. I live in close proximity to the ocean and enjoy cruising and fishing with my family. Costs have skyrocketted over the years, not just for fuel, but local and state fees. Don't punish the recreational boater who spearheads the cleaning up of our local harbors and rivers, and who's incidental discharges are so insignificant compared to the commercial industries discharges. The millions of recreational boaters across the country that "work" for a living, and use boating as their recreation cannot afford, nor should they be charged for the misuse of our waterways by other entities.

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  122. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 4:09 PM    link Russell B. | Maurepas, LA

    Personally, I think the requirement of a Permit is totally rediculous. It looks as if the Bill requiring the permit was developed targeting the commerical boats, considering the Ballast water issue. Ballast water is compelety different than typical outboard motor coolant water.
    The Outboard coolant water does not pick up any oil contaminents of any kind during throughout it's cooling cycles.
    Someone should do some research of this topic and become better educated on the matter.

    Recreational boating in South Louisiana is already taking a huge hit due to higher than ever gas prices. Same issue all across the country. The permit fee on top of high gas prices could dramatically affect the tax base dollars contributed by us boaters. As some people would not be able to afford the extra fee.

    Seems like there are more liberal treehuggers with increasing amounts of influence upon our uneducated elected officials. I hope our Louisiana Senators and Representatives are smarter than most, and help out the Boaters in America in defeating this bogus Permit Fee.

    Senators Boxer and Nelson, thanks for your understanding and concern in heading this effort !

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  124. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:47 PM    link Richard T. | Winter Garden, FL

    Boating in Florida as a hobby is barely affordable, but a lot off my friends make a living off of it. Any more added cost to the boat owner will just close down more businesses. Please help us keep our jobs and hobby.

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  126. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:45 PM    link Robert C. | Round Lake Heights, IL

  127. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:27 PM    link Mark R. | Port Crane, NY

    Recreational boating is vital to the economy of all Great Lakes states, and is especially important to the finger lakes region of NY. Not sponsoring this bill raises a considerable barrier to the average recreational boater who will likely run afoul of the law. Furthermore, if the bill is not passed, EPA related lawsuits will likely be started against all owners, marina by marina. This burden will not only ruin the boating and local economies, it will likely bankrupt individuals. Because incidental and necessary runoff or discharges are part of boating, boaters will be physically unable to fully comply with the mandates, making them liable for damages.

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  129. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:21 PM    link Craig M. | Midland, MI

    Dear Senators Levin and Stabenow,
    I encourage you to support and become a co-sponsor to bill S-2766, "Clean Boating Act of 2008".
    We have lived in Michigan for 38 years. Our family has enjoyed boats through out the years and found it the best way to support Michigan tourism during those years. In addition I am a Past Commodore of the Saginaw Bay Yacht in Essexville Michigan and know first hand how important boating is to our members. Requiring a permit for miscellaneous water discharge from pleasure craft would be a burden that the boating community doesn't need.
    Thanks you for your support.

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  131. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:20 PM    link Treniss E. | Gainesville, FL

    This is another senseless expense! Please note that I do not support this EPA Permit.

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  133. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:18 PM    link Gene M. | Harlingen, TX

    As a recreational boater and fisherman on the Laguna Madre of South Texas for the past 40 years, I am acutely aware of the fragility of our waterways and the necessity to keep them clean. I am also aware that failure to pass S. 2766 will deny the use of those same waterways to those who work hardest to protect them. I again urge you to co-sponsor the Clean Boating Act of 2008!

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  135. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 3:08 PM    link Daniel M. | New Port Richey, FL

    The cost of recreational boating is extremely high already with gas prices continuing to rise,
    the cost for repairs and so on. This would absolutely break many recreational boaters back.
    (IE pocket). Please don't let this happen.

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  137. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:50 PM    link Erik B. | Arlington Heights, IL

    I am asking you as my elected representative to please co-sponsor this bill. If not, the result could be a heavy hit to an economy that is already suffering. Please do not allow the requirement for the EPA permits to come back.

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  139. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:47 PM    link Ralph J. | CLEMENTON, NJ

  140. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:42 PM    link Billy H. | Elkhart, TX

    THis is an example of one area that the US government doesn't need to meddle in.

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  142. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:41 PM    link enrique m. | Port Charlotte, FL

    I am just a regular retiree who has a small boat this will surely impact my boating

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  144. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:30 PM    link Rick R. | Dublin, VA

  145. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:28 PM    link Keith L. | North Las Vegas, NV

  146. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:24 PM    link Jerry S. | Colonia, NJ

    Small boat owners are being hit on all sides....the cost of fuel is such that most owners can't afford to run their boats! Shoreside development has caused boat slip rentals to go up and new public access laws mean that every passer by is allowed, by law, to come around my boat, on the docks, within easy reach of my expensive electronics. Fishing restrictions, most of them totally unreasonable in their restrictions and created with flawed "science" by over zeleaous pressure groups have so reduced the chance of taking something home for dinner that it's almost not worth while taking the boat out. AND NOW we have to abide by laws made for giant container ships and huge tankers. What ever happened to our good, logical, sensible government? Please help by co sponsoring S 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. Thank you

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  148. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:18 PM    link Chad P. | Burlington, IA

  149. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:18 PM    link Keith M. | Harrisburg, PA

    Please support this exemption. Summer recreation activities would cease to exist on the Susquehanna River in central Pennsylvania. Not to mention the sizable $20000 investment in boating that would be unusable.

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  151. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:12 PM    link Steve G. | Evanston, IL

  152. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 2:08 PM    link Michael N. | Napa, CA

    ----------------- my thoughts ------------------------

    Please Co-sponsor the “Clean Boating Act of 2008”

    The expiration of this exemption would allow for a "blunt instrument" solution to a potential problem that has yet to be explored scientifically.

    I support the bill proposed by Senators Boxer and Nelson and would also support an amendment to fund research to determine the extent of recreational boating effect on the enviroment. Only after we have a good picture of the problem, we can then approach the problem, ala the automobile industry, to make changes over time to enhance the environment.

    Thanks you for your attention.

    Regards. Mike Noonan

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  154. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:51 PM    link Michael H. | Shelton, CT

  155. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:37 PM    link Clark S. | Franklin, TN

    In a time when money is tight and family time is often a struggle, it seems ludicrous to pass a bill that :A)will cost time and money(both to boat owners and to an already stretched gov't budget) B) Run many dealers out of business, because of rising costs in the marine industry caused by legislation already in place, and C) Discouraging what has traditionally been a family event through adding additional cost.
    Please don't pass Big Corporation problems down to the little guy yet again!!!

    My name is Clark Shelton of Franklin,Tn. I am a voter and I approved this message.

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  157. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:30 PM    link Jamie B. | Ankeny, IA

    I know this may seem silly to you, but having to spend additional funds on an EPA permit to run my boat on a lake in Iowa is ridiculous. My boat will never see the ocean, or anything even close to it. I am sure there are more important things congress should be working on, but I also know congress has wasted tons of money on items I don't care about and I think are silly. This bill should be passed.

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  159. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:27 PM    link Kevin M. | Charleston, IL

    I am appalled that this could happen in our country.

    The weekend boaters are not the problem, but the large ocean going vessels are the problem.

    For this to affect the pleasure boater is truly an injustice.

    Think about this and help your fellow Illinois boating friends by sponsoring this needed legislation.

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  161. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:24 PM    link Cecil S. | Valrico, FL

    With the recent years push towards enviromentaly cleaner engines and cleaner practices in general, to not support and pass S-2766 is harmfull to the enviroment. Come on, the gasoline needed to enforce "incidental discharge" would be more detrimental to the enviroment than the "incidental discharge". Thats if theirs even enything in my bilge that would harm the enviroment anyway! I know I take great pride in responsible boating and enjoy the company of freinds that feel the same way. I do alot of scuba diving and fishing, and the last thing I want is my waterways polluted.
    To have to pay for a permit so that Ill be as clean as I am already is very discouraging to me. I hope that my representatives will see the nessesity in S-2766, and support it as quickly as possible.

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  163. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:21 PM    link John R. | St Clair Shores, MI

    And don't forget that many of us boaters have a mortgage for the vessel. If S. 2766 is not passed and we can't use our boats there will be another mortgage problem on your hands. The one we have now is bad enough.

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  165. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:17 PM    link Charles S. | Williamsbug, VA

    If you cannot build a fence surely you can get S2766 passed by attaching it to a pork barrel, pardon, I mean a earmark for some politicians favorite project. Our elected representatives nearly destroyed the boating industry once, get it together this time and pass this no nonsense bill.

    You want to protect marine waterways, place these restrictions on commercial shipping and the cruise ship lines. Leave the small recreational boaters alone.

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  167. Wed., Mar. 26, 2008 1:08 PM    link Kenneth S. | Josephine, AL

    The EPA is run amook again. Stop this ridiculous requirement immediately

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