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. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 1:26 PM    link Richard B. | Casper, WY

    I own four boats that i use for fishing and boating on Wyoming lakes. The cost of fuel is enough to kill this sport. Being retired i would not be able to afford these permits. Please sponsor this bill.
    Thank you
    Richard Bell

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  3. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 1:16 PM    link Denis H. | Hightstown, NJ

  4. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 1:12 PM    link Matthew H. | Sellersburg, IN

    I ask for your support of this bill.

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  6. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 12:32 PM    link Clyde K. | Cypress, CA

    Dear Senator Boxer
    Please support Senator Feinsteins S2766 continuing the limited exemption for recreational boating incidental discharges. For most of us we only get to use our boats a few days per year and we scrupulously avoid polluting the waters we swim and water ski in. Unlike commercial vessels our decks are not prone to measurable spills of toxic substances. If preventing us from washing off the normal dust and naturally occuring debrie will result in long term deterioration of our vessels. That deterioration will cause even greater pollution. Furthermore it will lead to premature replacement of our vessels result in both and increased landfill problem and the consumption of huge amounts of energy and materials in the production of replacement vessels. Failure to support this bill is could be an environmental disaster.

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  8. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 12:30 PM    link David R. | Newington, CT

    Please vote for this bill. Boaters pay enough in gas taxes to cover incidental discharges.

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  10. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 12:28 PM    link Arthur B. | Kingsville, TX

  11. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 12:23 PM    link Thomas D. | Birmingham, MI

    What a great idea! Let's see how worse off we can make Michigan's economy by making recreational boater's pay more fee's.
    I have no idea why both Michigan Senators wouldn't be speaking out for 2766.

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  13. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 12:08 PM    link roger s. | north ridgeville, OH

    what is your stand on this? i think this is a no brainer.

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  15. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 11:22 PM    link Roy & Margaret H. | Parker, AZ

  16. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 8:26 PM    link robert k. | Gulfport, MS

    Support the clean boating act of 2008, s. 2766, other wise another absured bit of bureaucratic BS, bigger than Katrina & FEMA will happen, everyone will feel this pain, across the USA

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  18. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 8:05 PM    link Joe A. | Millburn, NJ

    Please help us by co-sponsoring the Clean Boating Act of 2008. It is hard enough to pay for the gas that has now skyrocketed. It would be a sin to now have to pay an additional cost for an EPA permit.

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  20. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 11:39 AM    link John M. | Chester Springs, PA

  21. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 11:32 AM    link James S. | Madison, OH

    I am an avid boater and every year I spend upwards of $1000.00 on fuel, tackle, and bait. All of this money goes to local businessses. In addition, a fair amount of money is spent at waterfront dining establishments.

    If this bill is not passed, I will be forced to come up with a lump sum of cash to pay for the proposed permit. This is cost restrictive for me and will quite possibly end boating for me as a pastime.

    I already maintain my vessel meticulously. The Coast Guard has performed random inspections of my vessel, including the engine compartment and I have never received a violation.

    Boaters, in general, are an environmentally conscious group. If this bill is not passed, boaters will be unfairly targeted and penalized.

    I urge you to pass this bill.

    Thank you.

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  23. Tue., Apr. 8, 2008 8:23 AM    link Joseph and Rebecca P. | ingleside, IL

    • 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, 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 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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  25. Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 6:53 PM    link Eugene Y. | Putnam Valley, NY

    Your pro-active support of this legislation will demonstrate your keen sense of the need for 'common sense legislation.' No one wants overregulation, and all agree that protection of the environment is an essential necessity.

    Thank you for your thoughtfull consideration.

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  27. Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 1:33 PM    link john l. | alto, MI

    PLEASE recreational boaters, expecially those of us who fish, utilizing the Great Lakes are already paying a big price due to the constant introduction of invasive species by international shipping.I think your efforts to control "incidental discarge" should be directed at them. In addition we are seeing new diseases like VHS which are decimating our fish stocks and impacting the live bait we can use and how we can transport the fish we catch. When you add in the new reporting/ID requirements for those of us who boat on International waters, Lake Erie, Detroit River etc. what used to be a relaxing past time is now a complex procedure to insure we are within all of the various State, federal and international regulations. I might add this is no easy task since it is difficult to get a consistent answer to many of our questions from the MANY regulatory agencies. Bottom line we DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANY ADDITIONAL FEE'S. we would still like to be able to afford to take our grandkids fishing. Thank you.

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  29. Sun., Apr. 6, 2008 1:30 PM    link john l. | alto, MI

    PLEASE recreational boaters, expecially those of us who fish, utilizing the Great Lakes are already paying a big price due to the constant introduction of invasive species by international shipping.I think your efforts to control "incidental discarge" should be directed at them. In addition we are seeing new diseases like VHS which are decimating our fish stocks and impacting the live bait we can use and how we can transport the fish we catch. When you add in the new reporting/ID requirements for those of us who boat on International waters, Lake Erie, Detroit River etc. what used to be a relaxing past time is now a complex procedure to insure we are within all of thr various State, federal and international regulations. I might add this is no easy task since it is difficult to get a consistent answer to many of our questions from the MANY state and federal regulatory agencies. Bottom line we DO NOT NEED TO PAY ANY ADDITIONAL FEE'S. we would still like to be able to afford to take our grandkids fishing. Thank you.

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  31. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 2:06 PM    link Howard S. | Peoria, IL

  32. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 7:19 PM    link William B. | Ripon, CA

    I think the first thing that needs to be done is to get diesel and gas prices down! This has curbed a lot of boat sales and family outings. Why don't the people running this country see that every extra dollar that the AMERICAN public has is going into the fuel tank. It is time to do something about this. Will Bush? If fuel prices come down the world will be a better place. When the truckers fill up it will cost them hundreds in one fill up, they can pass some of this on to, guess who the public, so not only is the price high at the pump but also at the grocery store. So the general public pays twice, the average consumer has no way to pass these higher prices on. We just have to suck it up!

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  34. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 2:03 PM    link Adam P. | Gainesville, VA

    When will the government be happy? 35% of our income...not good enough...40%? Nope not good enough...50%? (Insert government laughter). Permits, tolls, fees, on top of income tax, state tax, city tax, property tax, capital gains tax, interest tax, inheritance tax, gift tax, inventory tax, death taxes...the list goes on and on.

    And the government never cuts out the waste and inefficiency. Instead it increases taxes and then WE THE PEOPLE have to cut back to support a government that never gets smaller. No matter how high our taxes are or how mismanaged our government is, there is never any cut back on the pork or spending.

    Since we're headed for communism, please don't delay. Take what you want...take 70% and be done with it. Stop with all the hidden taxes and then send me instructions telling me exactly how I should spend the rest of my money. What is the IDEA of America supposed to be? I thought it was less government and low taxes. Apparently nobody in government knows our history. We broke away from the British Monarchy for this?

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  36. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 6:46 AM    link Dale H. | Goshen, IN

    I'm asking to all those concerned, Please vote for the Clean Boating Act of 2008.
    We as recreational boaters, are not the problem. It would be an unnecessary hardship to the small boat owners. This comes at a time when we are being squeezed by other high costs.

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  38. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 8:26 PM    link bob e. | Winfield, IL

  39. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 7:51 PM    link James S. | Skaneateles, NY

    This is probably a small "blip" on you radar......but it is significant in balancing enviromental regulations and ensuring the pursuit of happines by the average Joe without long term harm to the average family.

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  41. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 7:51 PM    link Timothy N. | Hadley, MA

  42. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 3:04 PM    link Dick & Deanna B. | Mentor, OH

    Please encourage your fellow congressmen/women to vote with you on this Clean Boating Act of 2008 S. 2766.
    thank you

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  44. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 12:28 PM    link Matthew A. | Richardson, TX

    I agree, S.2766 is a good bill and makes aware the responsibilities of every boater on America's waterways. Please forward my response to my state's legislators to support this important task.

    Sincerely

    Matthew R Apgar

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  46. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 10:24 AM    link Jonathan F. | Orlando, FL

    This could cause great injury to all states, especially coastal states, and most definitely to Florida. Note that Fort Lauderdale is the yachting capital of the world. Please restore the permit exemption.

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  48. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 6:58 AM    link Erin D. | Jacksonville, FL

    No one appreciates a clean operating environment more than recreational boaters. Clean water is what makes recreational boating so attractive and enjoyable. This legislation just makes no sense applying the same criteria used for large ocean liners as to recreational boaters. We already have good laws managing destructive discharges that can be enforced for egregious violators. Lets keep this level of government bureaucracy from damaging the pleasure of boaters and the livelihood of those dependent on these industries.

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  50. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 6:11 AM    link Ben T. | Spartanburg, SC

  51. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 4:52 AM    link John K. | State College, PA

    Senator Casey, I hope you find S. 2766 a supportable pice of legislaiton. Thanks for your consideration.

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  53. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 3:20 AM    link Danny W. | Huntington Beach, CA

    Thank you in advance for supporting S. 2799 and encourging your fellow Senator's and Representative's in doing the same.

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  55. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 2:31 AM    link Maurice F. | Westlake, LA

    Several years ago I did a check on the number of registered motor boats in S.W. Louisiana, the number in the 5 parish area was over 28,000. That is just 5 of the parishes in Louisiana. The boaters and boating industry in this state just can not afford to have any more regulation or fees placed upon them. EPA standards for emission controls on outboards have caused the demise of the affordable two stroke engines. While it is true that they are more fuel effecient they do come with a lot higher price tag, pushing the lower end buyers completely out of the boating market. I am not a boat dealer, but I am a sportsman and boater, and can find no useful purpose for this regulation except to creat an even bigger government and new jobs for the regulators that will have to police these new EPA rules. The outdoors industry, which I am a part of, is big money here in Louisiana. Back in the 1980's when the state put a ban on the keeping of REDFISH, the sports fishing market took a real nose dive. According the researchers at LSU, the sports fishing market,(which includes the mom and pop tackle shops, gas stations, bait stand, marine dealers and everyone connected to servicing the fisherman) lost some 33% of their sales. CAN WE AFFORD A REPEAT OF THE THIS KIND OF REVENUE LOST. And remember the state loses too! Sales Taxes! The same year I did the research on the boat ownership, the state estimated that the sports fishing industry, in Louisiana, contribed nearly a billion dollars annually to the Louisiana economy. So please elimate this pending regulation and soon. We are worried. Maurice Fontenot producer/ co-host of BAYOU COUNTRY OUTDOORS TV SHOW

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  57. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 12:08 AM    link Loren M. | Buckley, WA

    "Ladies,"

    S. 2766, the clean boating act of 2008, WORKS! This is the State of Washington. Home of the Free, the Indians and their Casinos. The Nations Gate way to the Fishing Industry and you are "undecided?"
    "Ladies," Pass this Bill.
    Do NOT, and WE Say DO NOT!!!!! Kill the Graeter Northwest recreational boating INDUSTRY!
    Northwest Boaters and Fisherman ARE Responsible, We have "fished" Puget Sound for years and years to come.............Industry were the poluters, just look at what the cost and time it took to "clean up" the Foss Water way.
    "Ladies," we Elected you to represent us in the Federal Government.........Represent us!
    Represent the NorthWest Boating Industry and all of the recreational Boaters that YOU Respresent!!

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  59. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 10:17 PM    link Joe S. | Bartlesville, OK

    Without this bill an industry could be destroyed. Please support. Oklahoma's lakes and tourism NEED this bill.

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  61. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 9:06 PM    link Brett S. | Baltimore, MD

  62. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 8:20 PM    link Gregory W. | Tallahassee, FL

  63. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 6:40 PM    link Aaron B. | Greenville, MI

    A Boating "SOS" (save our sport)

    Aaron Besemer

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  65. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 6:23 PM    link Greg C. | North Stonington, CT

  66. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 6:22 PM    link William & Sarah A. | Foster, RI

    Me and my family love boating, without passage of this bill boating will become more costly and will eventually end this form of pleasure for us.

    Your friends from the Ocean State.

    Bill & Sarah Abt and family

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  68. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 5:29 PM    link Walter L. | Fountain Valley, CA

    I've been a fan of boating for close to 60 years now. Please don't let this happen! I'd like to enjoy my retirement years on the water as much as possible.

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  70. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 4:53 PM    link James C. | Mansfield, OH

    Dear Senator's and Representative's ,I hope you respond to this? I have been going to and living,at Lake Erie,all my life,(now 49 years old). I can tell you all, that the lake is not the same as it once was . The number of evassive species from the bilges of ocean going vessels should have been addressed a long,long time ago!It is a shame that in this country nothing is done about things until it is too late ! Also, we need to keep our Great Lake water here and not pipe it to the Southwestern States. Thank you for reading and responding ! James S. Crunkilton

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  72. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 3:45 PM    link Clifford L. | Allison Park, PA

    Thank you!

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  74. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 3:44 PM    link Richard G. | Springfield, VA

  75. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 3:32 PM    link tim c. | Atoka, TN

  76. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 3:23 PM    link Bruce H. | Oakley, CA

    dear sinister boxer, i cant grease your pockets but do the right thing for once.

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  78. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:49 PM    link David P. | Cincinnati, OH

  79. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:44 PM    link Gerald P. | Crown Point, IN

  80. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:34 PM    link Daniel W. | Essex, CT

    As an owner of a diesel powered 34 ft. boat, I can tell you that the cost of fuel alone now at $4.00 per gallon means that to fill the tank will cost nearly $1,000 and although our boat only uses about 10-12 gallons per hour which is very low, this means that a trip from Essex to Greenport, NY and back for lunch will cost $144 just for fuel! The idea of an EPA permit charge, not to mention the cost of dealing with incidental discharges, is unreasonable. I hope you will support this bill.

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  82. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:24 PM    link Michael M. | Bradenton, FL

    Dear Senators and Representatives:

    I support the S. 2766 bill. It would appear to me that the concept of preventing discharges is aimed at serious known pollutants such as gray and black water, hazardouz chemicals and cleansers, or other "non-operational" discharges. Discharges resulting from the standard operation of a motor vessel such as coolant water, or run-off does not reasonably appear to fall within the concept of preventing hazardous discharges. As an active boater and environmentalist, I practice very conservative observation of environmental protection and pollution prevention. The proposed EPA permit requirement appears wholly misplaced and inappropriate, and would significantly diminish the sport of boating while blemishing the face of the thousands of boaters like myself who are truly environmentally conscious.

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  84. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:23 PM    link John V. | Anna, TX

    Please get on board.

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  86. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 2:22 PM    link Leslie G. | Perry Hall, MD

  87. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:31 PM    link Robert F. | San Mateo, CA

    Please support S.2766 introduced by Barbara Boxer and Bill Nelson. Us recreational boaters are depending on it. It would be inpractical and devestating to be fined every time some rain water ran off our boat. The majority of recreational boaters that I know are very environmentally conscience and would not do anything that could harm the resources we enjoy so much.

    A better way to deminish any polution a recreational boater might create is to ban the sale of non-biodegradeable chemicals at the retail level, allow inspectors and Sheriff's Marine departments the power to access fines and patrol dockside locations for violators. Recreational boaters are already paying property taxes and licensing fees that should support such measures.

    Sincerely,

    Bob Fuller
    San Mateo, CA

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  89. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:25 PM    link Patrick E. | Madison, AL

    My family and friends have been boating here on the Tennesse River for over thirty years. We have supported you with our votes. And now we ask that you help support us by co-sponsoring this bill. Recreational boating on the Alabama rivers and Gulf bring in vast amounts of income and jobs to the state. We, as recreational boaters, are having to deal with high fuel prices that have already made their mark on many boaters. Used boat sells are at an all time high as a result. If you don't support this bill you will be helping drive that last nail in the coffin for those of us who enjoy the waterways of this grate state.

    We know we can count on you as you have always been there for us in the past.

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  91. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:25 PM    link John I. | Staten Island, NY

    I can't believe that most of our politicians are still on the fence regarding this matter! What else will the middle and lower income people in this country have to bare the burden for?! Or should I say whatelse is going to be taken away from us?! Out of the 12 million boat owners that will be affected by this bill how many of them would you venture to guess are what you would call your average Joe? Probably most of them. More and more our country is becoming a playground for the rich where everyone else is here only to support and service the wealthy and corporate America. Realestate taxes are going through the roof making home ownership an impossibility for more and more people everyday. The veteran's realestate tax benefit is slowly but routinely being eradicated. This is just another instance where the burden is being passed onto the people who are already saddled with the burden of supporting the day to day operations of running our country. As far as I'm concerned in this matter, an undecided position is the same as being against the bill. This will play a significant role in how I cast my vote.

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  93. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:20 PM    link Hubert W. | Saint Louis, MO

    Please consider the FAMILY VALUE with boating. Parents today have enough competition with TV and
    the computer.

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  95. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:09 PM    link Michael V. | Durham, NC

    Senators Burr and Dole, Representative Price,

    The many boaters of NC of which I am one need this bill passed. Recreational boaters must have this exemption. Please provide the leadership needed to make it happen.
    Regards

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  97. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:09 PM    link Paul C. | Inverness, FL

    I have been trying to save money to buy a boat so I can enjoy my later years in life for some time now. These days even the most basic boat safe enough to venture offshore here in Fla. are overpriced anyway partly due to the luxury taxes. Now combine that with the cost of fuel also taxed heavily registration of boat, trailer, and in some places motor or motors and now add this possible EPA Permit(s) and that puts me in a position that I just as well forget trying to live the American Dream and plan on being that person that greats you at Wal-Mart and that is not what I had in mind working all these years. Pleas help save my dream Co-sponser the Clean Boating Act.

    Paul W. Cummings

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  99. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:08 PM    link Michael V. | Durham, NC

    Senators Burr and Dole,
    The many boaters of NC of which I am one need this bill passed. Recreational boaters must have this exemption. Please provide the leadership needed to make it happen.
    Regards

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  101. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:06 PM    link Bob B. | Pine Brook, NJ

  102. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 1:02 PM    link jacques h. | Orange, CA

  103. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:57 PM    link Joseph B. | VIRGINIA BEACH, VA

    As an avid boater, I appeal to you to support this legislation. It will do little to improve our waterways, impose another government burden on us, increase EPA's bureacracy, and potentially cost us jobs in the recreational boating industry.

    Joe Bradley

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  105. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:41 PM    link Leo W. | Hopkinton, MA

  106. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:40 PM    link mark m. | new boston, TX

    This wouldn't be just one permit, I would need one for every state I go to with my boat.

    I do not think the water from melted ice in my coolers or fish box, or from rain that hits the deck of my boat and drains off to be a dangerous substance.

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  108. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:38 PM    link Carol G. | New Berlin, WI

    PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE SIGN THIS BILL

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  110. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:32 PM    link Merlin Z. | Grand Junction, CO

    There is a lot more gradoo running into our water supply from city streets than will EVER be produced by the the recreational boating industry.

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  112. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:29 PM    link Robert B. | Brunswick, GA

    Please consider putting this obvious misapplication of law to rest by exempting the vessels this law was NOT intended for. The last thing I want to say to my associates considering relocation to the "common sense" state of Georgia is that our state did nothing to stop the application of shipboard ballast law to our favorite past-time and wallets.

    If you are not a boater please accept my invitation to visit the southeast Georgia coast and see, firsthand what boating does for our state's economy and morale. Facing today's economic conditions with the knowledge that our state's representation applys "common sense" to legislation would be comforting.

    Thank you all for your consideration of this matter.

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  114. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:23 PM    link Scott G. | Mashpee, MA

  115. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:19 PM    link Peter R. | Old Bridge, NJ

  116. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:08 PM    link George E. | Mitchellville, MD

    As you know, our State thrives on the boating industry, and the recreational pleasures our Bay gives to thousands of us each year. I have put off purchasing a new boat or repairing my old one because of my fear of more fees being placed on me in my retirement years. Please support a life-long Maryland resident with your support of this Bill.
    George t. Estry

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  118. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 12:07 PM    link Christopher B. | Grand Rapids, MI

    Living in Michigan almost my entire life, I am not new to boating. I am not sure how anyone living in Michigan could not be touched by recreational boating in some way. There is no greater group of supporters for our Great Lakes than the recreational boating community in Michigan. However, our current economic situation and exponential increase in fuel prices have dealt a significant blow to the industry. Just check any marina this year and see how many vacancies they have. Notice how fewer boat owners are actually taking their boats out and how many are for sale.

    The Clean Boating Act of 2008 (S.2766) is trying to prevent what could end up being the final and fatal blow to recreational boating as we know it. I recently attended a boat show with Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land who spoke of the economic importance of recreational boating in Michigan. It has never been more important that now with a struggling state economy, budget cuts and the crash of the housing market. Michigan's recreational boating is not just for wealthy entrepreneurs, it is for all of us living in the mitten and the U.P. because we "seek a pleasant peninsula". This act would help preserve one of the most important industries in our state and keep Michigan in the top 2 boating states in the country. Please support S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008!!

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  120. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 11:57 AM    link Fred L. | Kemah, TX

    Please help the boating public .We here in Texas spend allot of time an money on the water .Being from Texas should aleast make you aware of the problems here on the coast .Help us don't put unneeded taxes or permits on the receational boaters .Do what you said you would do when we voted you in office HELP TEXAS Captain Fred Lowe

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  122. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 11:45 AM    link Clinton S. | Corinth, TX

    OOOps, does this mean the Senator Harry Reid, Nevada, gets to vote TWICE since he is so pictured?

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  124. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 11:40 AM    link Mike S. | Mabank, TX

    Thank You!

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  126. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 11:26 AM    link James M. | Manasquan, NJ

  127. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 10:34 PM    link Dale M. | Columbus, OH

    How can anyone allow something like this to pass. Will this be the end of pleasure boating as we know it? We can't afford to buy Gas now because of the prices and now they want to take our last bit of fun away. Our representttives better do something to support the people that put them in Congress or the Senate or they will face these people this November. I still can't believe you ( our representtative) let something like this even get the far.
    I'm counting on you to help us out. Lets see how much you really work for the people by supporting us.

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  129. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 9:25 PM    link tom t. | warren, OH

    pass this and let us fishermen alone. gas cost us enough and it seems to me this will be a lot to pay for minimum enviromental protection. when is it going to be enough???

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  131. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 2:00 PM    link Dan M. | Beulah, MI

    My name is Dan MacArthur and I work in Northern MI. in the boat industry. I dont have to tell you
    how hard it is to make a living in Michigan's current economic climate. The problems in Detroit have been far reaching into our area. The boat industry is teetering on the 'edge of destruction' up here and these sort of regulations could possibly kill the industry as we know it. Plz take into account how
    my co-workers and I could possibly have to leave Michigan if we were faced with losing our jobs.
    I am not against ecological regulations of any sort, but a little common sense and timing are needed at this juncture. Please consider the far reaching effects this decision could have,not just for the boaters,but for the entire industry.

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  133. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 10:13 AM    link George F. | Hadley, PA

  134. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 8:03 AM    link Robert D. | Meadville, PA

    If this bill does not pass my boating days are over as well as millions of others. There will also be a loss of jobs in ALL related industries. What are they thinking?????

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  136. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 6:37 PM    link Marcellus B. | Northwood, OH

    Hi,
    We need this Bill Passed now.

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  138. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 1:55 PM    link RObert K. | Chapin, SC

    Dear SC Senators De Mint and Graham and Representative Wilson:


    I urge you to co - sponsor this important legislation to protect the vital boating recreational and manufacturing industry in SC which is already in a severe slump due to national economic conditions. Family Boating and Fishing activites have long been one of our states most important attributes and must be protected.

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  140. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 10:54 AM    link Edward H. | Skillman, NJ

  141. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 9:49 AM    link rick s. | dallas, GA

  142. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 7:58 AM    link Richard P. | BURLINGTON, IA

    Please help us by passing this bill S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

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  144. Mon., Mar. 31, 2008 7:32 AM    link larry m. | perrysburg, OH

    Save Boating... It's the last freedom we Have !!!!!

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  146. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 9:40 PM    link Michael A. | Tampa, FL

    I am currently and have been a recreational boater in Florida for the last 30 years.

    I believe that this bill is a practical solution to the looming 9/30/2008 EPA permit deadline for recreational boaters, anglers, and charter boats.

    This bill does not rescind any existing environmental restrictions - it will still be illegal to discharge plastics and garbage, oil and fuel, and raw sewage.

    This bill will reduce bureaucracy currently being created to administer and implement an EPA permit program for more than 15 million recreational vessels.

    I am in full support of this bill, even over HR 2550.

    Thank you for your time and please support S. 2766.

    -Mike Answeeney

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  148. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 5:48 PM    link david k. | wauconda, IL

  149. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 3:01 PM    link Tim H. | Wake Forest, NC

  150. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 11:22 AM    link John L. | Marietta, GA

    If you need more information on this problem, please read at this link.
    http://www.boattest.com/Resources/view_news.aspx?NewsID=821

    Please don't shut down the boating industry. Governor Sonny Perdue of Georgia has been trying to promote fishing despite the low water conditions of our lakes.
    We don't need anymore restrictions on boaters or the boating industry.

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  152. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:42 PM    link Dwayne P. | Winchester, CA

    Please let proper conduct of running my small boat for about 100 hours per year go without needing a discharge permit. I do not discharge any water that was not run through the cooling system for 1 minute from the body of water I would already be operating in. I dont transport water from othe rplaces in large quantities; this law is supposed to be for tankers discharging hundreds of thousands of gallons of ballast water used during navigation from abroad. Recreational boats only run the lake water around some tubes to cool the engine and it goes right back out unaltered.

    Dwayne Prickett
    Winchester CA

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  154. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 12:51 PM    link Guadalupe M. | Hutto, TX

  155. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 11:33 AM    link Douglas P. | Glendale, CA

  156. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:52 AM    link oron z. | bbc, AZ

    I ask that you do the right thing and save our boating as we know it now. Please vote this thru.
    Oron Zimmerman

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  158. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:51 AM    link oron z. | bbc, AZ

    This is just another way for the tree huggers to impose their will on us. Please vote against this

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  160. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:50 AM    link oron z. | bbc, AZ

    This is just another way for the tree huggers to impose their will on us. Please vote against this

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  162. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 7:40 AM    link Stephen V. | columbus, OH

  163. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 10:03 PM    link Jan C. | forked river, NJ

    Dear Sir,
    Passage of S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 is essential for the well being of recreational boaters such as myself.
    Please give this your immediate attention. Time is of the essence.

  164. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  165. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 9:57 PM    link Janice C. | Morris Plains, NJ

    Dear Sir,
    Passage of S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 is essential for the well being of responsible recreational boaters such as myself.
    Please give this your immediate attention. Time is of the essence.
    Thank You

  166. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  167. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 9:54 PM    link Thomas O. | Morris Plains, NJ

    Dear Sir,
    Passage of S.2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008 is essential for the well being of responsible recreational boaters such as myself.
    Please give this your immediate attention. Time is of the essence.
    Thank You

  168. This comment has been reported to the site manager. It will be reviewed and removed if inappropriate. Thank you!

  169. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 5:04 PM    link Joe Don L. | Granbury, TX

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