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., Apr. 25, 2008 2:47 PM    link Kelly F. | Tomball, TX

  2. Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 12:55 PM    link Lynn R. | Williston, VT

  3. Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 9:19 AM    link Michael W. | Gulf Shores, AL

    Pleeeze ...... ! Do we really need our already overtasked government agencies to waste more time and money in the pursuit of useless triviality???

    Please pass S 2766 and exempt recreational boat users ( and voters ) from this
    ridiculous legislation ..

    Can't you people find anything IMPORTANT to do? ..... God knows, anyone with an
    IQ over 60 could give you a list..

    Michael Wirt
    Gulf Shores, AL

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  5. Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 12:18 AM    link Raymond C. | The Woodlands, TX

  6. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 9:51 PM    link john o. | woodbury hts, NJ

    I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT S.2766 THE CLEAN BOATING ACT. MYSELF AS A FISHERMAN FEEL THAT IF THIS BILL ISN'T SUPPORTED IT WILL BE A SETBACK FOR RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN. WE ARE CONSTANTLY BEING PRESURED BY ENVIORMENTLE GROUPS TO STOP FISHING. FISHERMEN ARE VERY AWARE OF THE PROBLEMS WITH FISHING AND ARE EAGER TO HELP. BUT SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO BE MET IN THE MIDDLE. I AGAIN URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THIS BILL AND HELP SAVE OUR BEAUTIFUL SPORT.

    THANK YOU

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  8. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 7:37 PM    link Rick P. | Chesapeake, VA

    Remember how the luxury tax nearly killed the marine industry a few years back? I work for Volvo Penta, which manufactures gasoline and diesel engines for boats, along with sterndrives and the latest inboard performance system called IPS (huge efficiency gains). We are introducing catalyst equipped gasoline engines now that are required in California and in a couple of years the rest of the country. This is good, but it will cost the boater about $3,000 more ($6,000 for twin engines). We also have price increases for raw materials on our side and with resin products for boat builders. We do not need another tax for recreational boaters that would cost more to regulate than what it would produce in revenue.
    Please help save recreational boating and pass the Clean Boating Act of 2008!

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  10. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 7:00 PM    link j.thomas s. | Abington, MA

    C'mon Senator.Hyannis/MV/ACK!.............This TAX on Recreational Working Boaters is a hose Job...Jump on Board to Kill The Tax...PLEASE!!!!!!:}}}}}}}}}

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  12. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 6:20 PM    link Mark T. | BOZEMAN, MT

  13. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 5:13 PM    link Richard S. | Hicksville, NY

    Please help. With costs in this country skyrocketing out of control another fee, tax , will be detrimental. Thank you.

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  15. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 12:22 PM    link Jeff V. | Marina Del Rey, CA

    what's wrong with you?
    how much more money can you get from the public?,we don't have it anymore!!!

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  17. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 11:24 AM    link Rick W. | West Jordan, UT

    Let's keep the passion of recreational boating active and the way it has been for so long. A true family building activity that millions of us love.

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  19. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 11:11 AM    link Charles F. | Pooler, GA

    Dear Senator McCain,

    Sir, you are a man that I truly have a lot of respect and admiration for! I am asking you to co-sponsor the Clean Boating Act of 2008 and help defeat what will truly be a huge burden on recreationaly boaters!

    Thank you!

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  21. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 9:31 AM    link Tim S. | Everett, WA

    If boating is to remain an affordable & convenient way for families to have fun, this bill must pass! Please support it. Boating is a huge source of revenue for Washing state in so many ways. Please help to preserve all of the great things that boating brings to Washington!

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  23. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 7:52 AM    link Adam S. | Essex, MD

  24. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 7:41 AM    link William G. | West Covina, CA

    Please, Help if possable, Your not my senator, but could be my President, in california we could use all the help we can get, this boating issue appers like another slap to the public faces.

    Thank You,

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  26. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 6:51 AM    link John C. | Clifton Park, NY

    Please support this bill. We boat in an area of Lake Ontario (Jefferson County, NY) that is economically depressed. If this permit system is forced upon us, I know many willl curtail their boating activities, hitting the local economy very hard. The price of gas at marinas already is having its effect. This unnecessarily expansive permit system will only worsen the impact on the people who depend on recreational boaters for their livihood.

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  28. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 2:05 AM    link Dave M. | Fort Myers, FL

    Let's use some common sense here and pass this new bill to eliminate yet another worthless permit that takes money from taxpayers and flushes it down the toilet. Being from Florida I would think you would support this bill wholeheartly. Do the right thing.

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  30. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 1:51 AM    link RONALD E. | HAMILTON TWP, NJ

    Sir, I'm just getting by money wise and fishing/boating is my only redcreation. Prices are going up on EVERYTHING now they want money for the cooling water coming out of my outboard engine!!! when will it stop.

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  32. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:20 PM    link Bob L. | Ten Mile, TN

    This will be important to the TVA lake community, I live on Watts Bar lake and hope you will support us in this effort. Bob Lamb

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  34. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 8:32 PM    link Robert S. | gahanna, OH

  35. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 8:31 PM    link Scott H. | Annapolis, MD

  36. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 7:47 PM    link Christopher C. | Richmond, VA

    I have voted for you every election its time you stood up and help me with this. We are avid boaters of the James river and Chesdin and Bugs Island Lake. For us to have to pay for another hi cost fee to go boating over and above the EXPENSIVE gas now, is going to drive us away from boating. Personal property tax to my local goverment alone on my boat is over $1200 dollars a year. This is money my local goverment will not recieve along with the gas tax you reap from us. I understand the intent of the law that they are trying to pass. It was intended for ocean liners and the discharge of there ballast tanks. To include personal boats that never leave the USA is wrong and is going to hurt the boating public that is already taking a beating with the terrible economy that we are in right now.

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  38. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 7:38 PM    link Bill L. | Guilford, CT

    Long Island Sound boaters need your help. This onerous unintended consequence needs to be stopped before it is too late. Thank you.

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  40. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 7:30 PM    link ROBERT R. | OAKDALE, NY

  41. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 7:27 PM    link Thomas J. | Stafford, VA

    Whether it be boating on the Potomac or at Lake Anna, boaters support and clean waterways and support the local economy. Please consider the recreational boaters with the passage of this act.

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  43. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 6:53 PM    link Joe M. | Glen Allen, VA

    The Honorable Senator Warner:

    Please support and co-sponsor this bill. As an avid boater for many years, I find the recent court ruling to void the previous common understanding that exempted recreational boats from requiring a permit to discharge fluids severely flawed. Without your support, the EPA and states will be required to implement a costly program just so I can run my boat engine, which intakes and discharges water to cool the engine.

    Again, I urge you to support this bill.

    Joe Miller

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  45. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 4:57 PM    link willliam J. | Turnersville, NJ

    Save the water ways from pollution and from boaters that do not take the necessary precautionary steps to protect the environment.
    I rather pay for a EPA permit that funds protecting the water ways and environment than another state vehicle registration fee that does nothing but fund a mismanaged state budget…..

    Regards,

    William R. Juliana

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  47. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 4:27 PM    link Steven D. | Lighthouse Point, FL

    Senator,

    We've been recreational boaters in Fort Lauderdale since 1956. All of my children grew up boating and I think that's a large part of how we avoided drug issues, gangs etc. They had to work to pay for their boats, and that helped keep them focused. Boating also taught them about nature, their waterborne environment, and respect for both. If this bill doesn't get passed, virtually all of us in pleasure boating will be under the same gun as giant freighters. The difference, other than size, is they can afford the new restrictions, we can't.

    Thank you,

    Steve David
    Retired, Port Everglades Authority Board of Commissioners

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  49. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 4:14 PM    link Joe R. | st clair shores, MI

    I have been boating all of life and not passing 2766 bill will take away an important thing in my life and my children. Please do not destory one of my favorite things to do.

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  51. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:56 PM    link Bill e. | n. myrtle beach, SC

    It is a shame that tax payers have to take time to white their senators, beacause some idot federal employee finds another way to take the money out of tax payers pocket.

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  53. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:56 PM    link Bill e. | n. myrtle beach, SC

    It is a shame that tax payers have to take time to white their senators, beacause some idot federal employee finds another way to take the money out of tax payers pocket.

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  55. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:54 PM    link Ned M. | Summit, NJ

    As our Representatives in Washington, you must know that boat building and related services employ thousands and thousands of New Jersey citizens. We have one of the best natural coastlines in the USA and it will be damaging to our robust tourism economy to allow a bill that can damage our state economy...especially now!

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  57. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:52 PM    link James M. | Redondo Beach, CA

    I agree that ballast water from commercial vessels should be regulated, but requiring permits for recreational boats will impact thousands of Americans. Hurting not only the people who work very hard to buy and maintain the boats which, in some cases, are their only source of recreation, but the people who base their livelihoods on servicing and supplying the boaters.

    Please support Senator Boxer on this one. She is the hero of thousands of California recreational boaters. Be a hero too!

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  59. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:51 PM    link John S. | Manhattan, IL

    Illinois loves boating, lets not add additional fees and tax's

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  61. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:08 PM    link William G. | Loveland, OH

    PLEASE, don't let recreational boating slip out of the hands of the millions that enjoy it for the sake of a regulation that was intended at much larger ocean-going ships that may discharge bilge water and contaminate U.S waters. We recreational boaters are boating's best friend. We already do clean-sweeps on a volunteer basis to help keep rivers and streams clean, and impose little or no threat on the environment in which we boat. PLEASE save our passion and this industry.

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  63. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 2:58 PM    link bryan t. | Springdale, AR

    if you do not help us out, with the price of gas already high, most of us will be unable to boat at all in the future. please consider our position as "the good guys of boating"
    bryan taylor
    479-957-2513

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  65. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:59 PM    link Daniel R. | Appomattox, VA

  66. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:38 PM    link Michael w. | Schaumburg, IL

  67. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:30 PM    link Joseph G. | Winter Springs, FL

    this is just another program to collect money and do nothing. instead of going after major offenders, strap the backs of the hard working recreational boaters by forcing them to pay even more to enjoy their hobby. absolutely ridiculous

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  69. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:30 PM    link W. K. G. | Trussville, AL

    I don't have a boat at the present; however, sensless regulation will probably prevent me from buying one. Please add your name as a co-sponsor of this bill.

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  71. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:30 PM    link Mark N. | Bowling Green, KY

    Since many of us in the great state of Kentucky are boaters. I urge you to co-sponser this bill.

    Thanks,

    Mark A. Novelli

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  73. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:19 PM    link Courtney C. | Suwanee, GA

  74. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:16 PM    link Bill C. | Austin, TX

    Please give your support to this bill. As you may know, the costs of owning a small recreational boat are increasing at an a alarming rate. Passage of this bill is a small step towards preserving recreational boating as an affordable family activity.

    Requiring EPA permits (if this bill does not pass) for recreational boats will do nothing towards protecting our waterways. It will just be an expensive tax on recreational boaters.

    Thank you for your consideration and support.

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  76. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:15 PM    link Lee W. | Wilmette, IL

    This law has no reason to apply to recreational boaters. Also, we don't need to waste taxs (the people's money) for administration and enforcement directed at recreational boaters. Please get to work on this.

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  78. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:07 PM    link Daniel D. | Aurora, IL

  79. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:05 PM    link Steven F. | Stony Brook, NY

    As a representative of the people of New York State, a boating community, you should be in full support of S. 2776. Please show that you truly represent us and our way of life and support the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

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  81. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 1:02 PM    link Richard M. | Norfolk, VA

    Senator Warner,
    Senator Webb,
    Representative Drake,

    I am contacting you to ask you to vote for the Clean Boating Act of 2008 S. 2766.

    I own a 28' Carver flybridge cruiser that I keep in a Norfolk, VA marina. When it rains, rain water that falls on my boat runs off my boat and into the water where my boat is docked, occaisionally I wash and rinse my boat with biodegradeable boat soap which runs into the water as well. Boats are water cooled, this water comes inside the boat, cools the engine and is discharged. Any one of these occurances will require me to purchase an EPA permit at who knows what cost.

    The EPA is probably licking their chops at the additional money this will generate. The EPA is already wields too much influence in this country. I feel that their misguided policies have much to do with our economic problems. Ethanol, ultra low sulfur diesel fuel all pushed by the EPA are causing problems throughout the country and especially among recreational boaters, in boats E-10 ethanol dissolves the resin in fiberglass fuel tanks (causing leaks) & lessens fuel economy not to mention the engine problems it causes in boats because it is inferior to other additives.

    Why as an owner of a recreational small craft should I be required to purchase a permit similiar to what commercial cargo ships and tankers purchase?

    Please support the Clean Boating Act of 2008 S. 2766.

    Thank you,
    Richard Milner

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  83. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:56 PM    link Ken P. | Tampa, FL

    As a senator from one of the boating centers of the world, you have a responsibility to keep the waterways clean within a reasonable limit of accountability. Don't allow this situation to go knee-deep in over-bearing government intervention!

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  85. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:53 PM    link Andrew Q. | Fuquay Varina, NC

  86. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:32 PM    link Ray J. | Ft. Myers Beach, FL

    Thank you Senator Boxer and Senator Nelson for introducing the Clean Boating Actof 2008.S.2766. Why are so many of our U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives waiting so long to stand by such a important issue? What are they thinking? At a time when the boating industry is already suffering do to economical hardships and so many people out of work, we need to unite and do the right thing and make the right choices. It's not the weekend boater and fisherman that are polluting our waters. Please use some common sense and address this issue. Make the right decission and let the average family still enjoy something that I've been able to do for over forty years. Thank you.

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  88. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:07 PM    link KEN H. | PANAMA CITY, FL

    12 MILLION BOAT OWNERS ARE A LOT OF VOTES AND WE ARE GENERALLY PASSIONATE PEOPLE ABOUT THIS SPORT AND WAY OF LIFE. YOU CAN'T THROW THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION ON TOP OF AN ALREADY TROUBLED INDUSTRY. BOATS ARE ONE OF THE FEW THINGS WE STILL BUILD IN THIS COUNTRY. ADD THIS TYPE OF LEGISLATION TO THE ALREADY BURDENED INDUSTRY DUE TO TIGHTENING CREDIT REQUIREMENTS AND HISTORICAL GASOLINE PRICE LEVELS AND YOU WILL BE DRIVING ANOTHER NAIL IN THE COFFIN OF US INDUSTRY.

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  90. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:06 PM    link James S. | Medina, OH

    You must help our industry, Ohio has a strong manufacturing base for marine products and boating, help save our jobs.

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  92. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:03 PM    link Thomas G. | Hawthorn Woods, IL

  93. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:02 PM    link Richard C. | Edmond, OK

  94. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:59 AM    link Talmadge S. | Shelby, NC

  95. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:24 AM    link Austin H. | Pendleton, OR

    As an active boater, this thing is stupid. Why should I have to have an EPA permit to use my 21 ft boat. This is one of the dumbest things I have ever heard of. Please support the clean boating act of 2008. If this doesnt pass, it will mean the loss of a lot money from boaters and fisherman. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE support the clean boating act of 2008.

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  97. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:21 AM    link Wilbur L. | Summerfield, FL

    Senate Bill S-2766 must be passed. Requiring boaters to purchase discharge permits is a foolish idea. We as residents and taxpayers have enough bureaucracy to deal with now.

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  99. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:12 AM    link David R. | Charlton, MA

  100. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:06 AM    link Melvin M. | Flowery Branch, GA

  101. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:05 AM    link Cody G. | Thousand Oaks, CA

    This would probably be my last year as a boater if this bill is not passed. It is unconscionable to not support this bill.

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  103. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:57 AM    link Mark D. | Waterford, CT

    The boating industry certainly doesn't need more shots taken at us. Never in our history have gas prices been this high, consumer confidence this low, the dollar this low, and boat dealer inventories at an all-time high. And there's an election to boot! We're now primed to again experience the woes of 1989-1990 where 48% of boat dealers closed shop. Consumers are looking for reasons to pull back the reins on large ticket luxury purchases and there are plenty already mentioned. We don't need another.

    Boater's support a huge infrastructure of businesses from tackle shops, gas stations, boat dealers and banks, to restaurants, marinas, and hotels in boating regions.

    Please help me stay in business!

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  105. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:53 AM    link Scott G. | Mashpee, MA

    Please help us keep boating an option for the every day person who wants to take the small boat out with the family.

    Lets ask boaters to be green, not spend green

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  107. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:52 AM    link Cameron C. | Jacksonville, FL

    This is a response to the bill proposed for the clean boating act. I feel the EPA is not the body that should govern the boating world. they couldnt handle exxon in alaska what make syou think they can handle this. Mostly the EPA blows alot of money in legal fees. I dont want to have to pay that just to go fishing...

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  109. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:44 AM    link Rick C. | ROCKAWAY, NJ

    This is positive legislation please do the right thing and support this bill!

    Thanks,
    Rick Caldwell

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  111. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:42 AM    link Randolph R. | Duncannon, PA

  112. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:34 AM    link Joyce H. | Chittenango, NY

  113. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 10:15 AM    link Allison A. | Gordonsville, VA

  114. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 2:52 AM    link Cynthia F. | Toronto, OH

    do not let this bill pass. It will put bait shops, boat dealers, loss of money from fishing licenes,tackle companys.
    small fishing boats and ski do's pick up coolant water from the lake or river they are operating in.
    so if there is contanimated water it had to be there before the boats was.
    this bill is a waste of time and goverment spending.How can people aford the price of gas, boat regerstration, insurance, licenes plate , fishing licenes,bait and then pay this on top of all that?

    mrs. cynthia Furno

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  116. Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 11:58 AM    link Darrell C. | Sterling, CO

  117. Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 8:34 AM    link James C. | Albuquerque, NM

    This bill is wrongly directed - small boat owners should not have to endure this. Please get active on this issue and vote accordingly.

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  119. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 9:02 PM    link Joe L. | Leesburg, VA

    I would like to know where you stand on this bill? I am retired Military and if I can't enjoy my second life, then why should I support yours. For it was I and my comrands in arms that protecting you and your family from harm and if you aren't with the little people on this, theen you can find a new job. SFC J.F. Leonard, Lessburg, VA

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  121. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 7:47 PM    link Robert G. | Billings, MT

    Max,
    Here in Montana we really don't have to worry about incidential coolant leakage, because most of the boats around here do not use antifreeze to keep the motor cool, instead it uses the lake water to cool the engine. There is no contaminents introduced this way into the waterways. When you get into the costal areas this might be a concern with the larger boats. There might be less than 1% of water crafts in Montana that uses antifreeze as a coolant.
    In a different aspect, if you look at in this way, more coolant leaks from automobiles than there would be in a life time of a all boats in Montana. The leaks from autos eventially seep into the waterways. What I'm trying to say is there would be more of a concern with autos than boats.
    We don't need those kind of restrictions here. It is my hope that you will weigh this considerably.

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  123. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 7:13 PM    link Debra K. | Pasadena, MD

    We need your support!

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  125. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 9:31 AM    link Michael K. | staten island, NY

    I dont want the government controlling my right to use a boat.

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  127. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 8:29 AM    link David W. | Stamford, CT

    I have already written you on this topic but I want to emphasize how important passage of this Bill is to our economy, and our recreational enjoyment.

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  129. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 2:08 PM    link theron s. | Wayland, MI

    As a recreational boater, I dont think I should be subjected to a epa permit cost. Michigan residents would be devestated with this additional cost. Our economy in Michigan is at a all time low an we cant afford any more fees....

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  131. Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 6:23 PM    link John A. | Boca Raton, FL

    This may be the straw that finally kills the boating industry, or what's left of it here in Florida.

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  133. Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 5:01 PM    link Jeff S. | parma, OH

    This is a serious joke! Insane gas prices now this? What are you trying to prove? In the future years individuals will have to make 6 figures just to be able to afford to go boating. Unemployment at an all time high, gas prices soaring to over $3.25/gal. Now you want boaters to pay $800! Get a life and get the real pririties in order!

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  135. Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 10:30 AM    link Greg C. | Portsmouth, RI

    With the cost of fuel soaring over $4.00/gallon the last thing boaters need is yet another permit fee and more government intervention in our lives. Rhode Island depends and thrives on the boating industry, please support S. 2766 the Clean Boating Act of 2008.

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  137. Sat., Apr. 19, 2008 7:34 AM    link Charles P. | Douglasville, GA

    I agree that we need to protect our waterways, but we need to be smart about it. Educating recreational boaters about the damages that can happen to the environment and how to eliminate the hazards is a better option than mandating permits.

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  139. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 9:45 PM    link Domingo F. | Antelope, CA

  140. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 2:02 PM    link Steven M. | Fargo, ND

    Mr. conrad
    What is problem here? This is a no brainer! Please support this bill

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  142. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 1:30 PM    link Mike M. | Huntersville, NC

    Boating is family fun for us and millions of Americans. I do not need additinal fees to enjoy the little spare time left for my family. I paid over 100K in taxes last year, surely there is enough to solve this issue.

    Boating is huge in NC and your constiuents are watching your vote closely!

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  144. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 12:44 PM    link Terrence W. | San Francisco, CA

    Thanks for helping us boaters I'm from SF and always have and always will be one of your supporters.

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  146. Fri., Apr. 18, 2008 9:57 AM    link John H. | Jacksonville, FL

  147. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 9:49 PM    link GARY H. | Copley, OH

    Dear Senator Voinovich,

    Please give this bill your consideration. I find it odd that I am asking you to support legislation that was introduced by Barbara Boxer, being that I am about as far removed form her politically as possible. Maybe some of your Democrat friends are more astute than I gave them credit!

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  149. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:24 PM    link Robert M. | Spring Branch, TX

    Ma'am and Sirs,

    As a member of the USAF; one of the few activities that gives me great pleasure and allows me to really decompress is getting on my boat and just getting out on the water away from it all; fishing and SCUBA diving usually.

    I respectfully ask that you please add your support/co-sponsorship to this bill.

    Respectfully
    ROBERT L. MILLS, SMSgt, USAF

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  151. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:23 PM    link Robert M. | Spring Branch, TX

    Sir,

    As a member of the USAF; one of the few activities that gives me great pleasure and allows me to really decompress is getting on my boat and just getting out on the water away from it all; fishing and SCUBA diving usually.

    I respectfully ask that you please add your support/co-sponsorship to this bill.

    Respectfully
    ROBERT L. MILLS, SMSgt, USAF

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  153. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:15 PM    link Aaron T. | Chippewa Lake, OH

  154. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 7:13 PM    link Chris M. | San Ramon, CA

  155. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 5:46 PM    link Dennis L. | Greenwich, OH

    Please oppose bill #S.2766, The Clean Boating Act of 2008. Thi bill is as rediculous as the 2 Senators that introduced it and I suggest introducing another bill titled "Clean Up The Senator's Act of 2008" and put them at the top of the list. Where is it going to stop ? It is time for all Americans to stand up to this nonsense and put a stop to people like these trying to strip our rights and freedoms away like it is nothing. I for one, will not tolerate this any longer.

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  157. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 12:01 PM    link John V. | Anna, TX

  158. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 11:32 AM    link HERB R. | BLUFFTON, SC

    c

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  160. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 9:01 AM    link Luis B. | San Antonio, TX

    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.

    I am writing today to ask you to fix this oversight by supporting passage of S. 2766, the Clean Boating Act of 2008. By supporting S. 2766, and its passage into law, you will enshrine this proven 34-year old exemption for recreational boats, sponsored by Senators Barbara Boxer and Bill Nelson. The legislation is straight forward and specific, and would only apply to recreational boats and their water-based engine cooling water, bilge water, gray water, and common deck runoff.

    As a boater, I can tell you that it is important that we protect our environment for future enjoyment. The ballast water debate should be about addressing the important environmental concerns about large cargo ships and their ballast water tanks. However it should not be about preventing boaters from enjoying this great American past time with an unnecessary, complex, onerous and unprecedented permitting scheme. Please consider co-sponsoring and supporting passage of S. 2766, it is important legislation for the nation's 73 million avid boaters and the 380,000 U.S. workers of the recreational boating industry.

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  162. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:40 AM    link Dave & Georgie B. | Woodland Hills, CA

  163. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:40 AM    link lorena r. | bayville, NY

    We urge you to pass this bill so responsilbe boat owners like ourselves are not forced to pay costly fees for incidental discharges that "do not" take place on our two vessels (which means two permit fees!!). As responsible boat owners, we take every measure possible to ensure the waters remain clean. In my view, those who are found to abuse the waters should be penalized, not every recreational boat owner. Should we charge/fine an entire community for potential littering or just those who perform the act? The fees are unfair to responsible, recreational boat owners. Please extend the exemption.

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  165. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 8:12 AM    link Charles S. | chester, VA

    I am a first time boat owner, having purchased our first family boat just last year. The time we spent together last year enjoying our boat and being together as a family has been wonderful. I truly believe this has been an investment in our family!
    As I have become more aware of issues facing the boating community in our USA, it has deeply troubled me that this legislative issue threatens to severly impede our newly discovered enjoyment of boating. I whole-heartedly request that you support S2766.

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  167. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 7:56 AM    link Larry H. | Williamsburg, VA

    Time is running out. I need your support on this. Please get onboard this most important legislation. Our industry doesn't need a regulation like this. There are already laws that cover unlawful discharge on the books from smaller boats. This law should only pertain to larger ships or commercial vessels.

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  169. Thu., Apr. 17, 2008 3:06 AM    link Troy K. | Lincoln, CA

    Dont let them destroy what my family loves to do during summer. My wife, duaghter and myself enjoy quality family time on our boat. We get to leave all the hassles of life behind and enjoy each other and nature while out on our boat. We sacrificed a lot so that we could afford a boat and now gas prices make it difficult but the additional cost of an EPA permit could be the final straw that drives us to abandon our family hobby.

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  171. Wed., Apr. 16, 2008 11:14 PM    link Tom B. | Budd Lake, NJ

    This bill is wrongly directed - small boat owners should not have to endure this. Please get active on this issue and vote accordingly

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