Recreational Boating Act 2007

976 People Have Sent 14,858 Letters and Emails

Sign the Petition

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

Total Signers: 976    View More:    10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

  1. Sat., Oct. 24, 2009 11:04 AM    link William T. | Stuart, FL

    A sad example of the stupity of our court system.

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  3. Mon., Apr. 20, 2009 8:00 PM    link Anthony L. | Cleveland, OH

  4. Tue., Apr. 7, 2009 8:03 AM    link Richard M. | Fort Myers, FL

  5. Tue., Jan. 27, 2009 11:35 AM    link Nathan V. | Greensboro, NC

  6. Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 8:12 PM    link Name not displayed | ,

    I would like to comment about the Stealth Catamaran Black Boat a military type,photo taken at San Francisco Bridge California at newsweek photo.It is a navy stealth catamaran it is nuclear powered too.Withj weapons display.Where it is now? Does it being kept secretly.Black Stealth Catamaran,where is it now?

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  8. Fri., Jan. 16, 2009 8:11 PM    link Name not displayed | ,

    It is not about Boating.I kept books like Americana Encyclopedia 1953 letters A,C,O,P
    Lexicon Dictionary 1987 2 sets of book,Compton's Encyclopedia 1967,Childrens Classic Books by Holt,Winston,Rhineheart 1961 Like king Arthur,Robinhood,Robinson Crusoe,Tom Sawyer,Alice in the Wonderland,Heidi,Treasure Island,Black Beauty,Andresens Fairy Tales,Arabian Nights
    Groilers Encyclopedia up to Vol 6 only,Groilers Annual Report 1993,ALMANAC 1980.A solar powered scientific calculator,A vhs tape Christmas songs Reagan Years,My Grandmother Serve in the REAGAN GOVERNMENT she was an RPTF member serial no:703790.I kept AFR 205-1 Safeguarding Military Secrets July 10,1960 Airforce Review 1972 Nov.-Dec.1972 issue Nixon Strategy on Realistic deterrence an lots of military files.Turnover to a retired U.S.Navy here in our Place.Canaman,Cam.Sur Philippines My name is Jeffrey Jude.MagistradoTorrente

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  10. Sun., Aug. 17, 2008 1:22 PM    link Dave F. | Cardington, OH

    I encourage you to vote down this insane legislation that would cost recreational boaters $800 per year. This would create a ripple effect through our economy and effect millions of people. Please lobby your fellow legislators and make sure this doesn't happen.

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  12. Tue., Jul. 22, 2008 1:21 PM    link Steve C. | Columbus, OH

    The current, and more importantly future, generations of boaters would be negatively impacted should a costly EPA permit system be put in place. The interest in boating, recreational watersports, angling, and water biology/ecosystems will he harshly neglected if the public cannot afford to roam all the great outdoor activity that Ohio has to offer! The public also recognizes the need to stop invasive species into our public waters, and backs our congress in doing so. But penalizing out recreational boaters for this purpose will only have lasting negative consequences. Thank you for your time.

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  14. Sun., Jul. 6, 2008 12:04 PM    link William B. | Mt. Sinai, NY

    Please this bill your immediate attention.
    Thank you.

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  16. Wed., Jun. 11, 2008 1:10 PM    link john m. | Lindenhurst, NY

    Please support the the recreational boating act. Ballast water discharge has got nothing to do with rec boaters. The price of gas is sky high now im gona have to pay out for a 800.00 permit, there is no point to owning my boat anymore. This is really painfull, im active duty coast guard here on long island and serve the boating public. Everyday we listen to the boating public and how there upset about the price of gas and the increassing size limits on fish, now we are all going to have to regulate the permits. the boating public is going to flip out next season after they get a fine from the coast guard or D.E.C. Do you want to be giving a fine to a rec boater because he dosent have a ballasting permit? Im thinking NO! please vote to keep the rec boaters exempt from being permited. This is the first time i have ever writen to a congressman, this is a subject that concers me deeply. Please help us. thank you very much

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  18. Sat., Jun. 7, 2008 6:06 AM    link Henry H. | Chicago, IL

    I agree we do not need a law like this.

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  20. Thu., May. 22, 2008 7:55 AM    link John M. | Salem, OH

  21. Thu., May. 15, 2008 1:59 PM    link Andrew C. | Omaha, NE

    To the United States Congress, and all Conserned parties

    My Family and I strongly urge The lawmakers at all levels of government, especially the U.S. Congress, to support any and all measures against requiring EPA permits on the pleasure boating communities. As a middle class family with two parents working full time to support our household, we quite simply can not afford this proposed permit. We do understood that boating at any level is an expensive sport, but as a family we have optioned to give up other non-neccesity items so that we can enjoy our boat. With the cost of operating our boat sharply increasing, the cost of this permit alone, would simply make it too expensive too maintain. Please give careful consideration to the very negative affect this permit will have on the 18 million plus boat owners and their family's. For my family and many many others, A boat is not a status symbol. A boat is a focus point, a place were we come together, too share and just be a family.

    Thank you in advance, for your vote against any laws requiring EPA permits on the pleasure boating communities.

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  23. Wed., May. 14, 2008 11:03 AM    link Dan G. | Harrison Township, MI

    In addition to the common-sense appeal of HR 2550, there are also important economic considerations. I don't need to remind you of the state of the economy - especially here in Michigan. Recreational boating is an important industry in this state - and in the nation. The last thing we need on top of a sluggish economy and $4.00 (or more) per gallon gas prices, is yet another blow to that industry. If HR 2550 is not passed, it could very well be the death knell of the industry - and could also begin a whole new phase of the "foreclosure crisis" as boaters find themselves unable to afford to use their boats, and unable to sell them.
    I urge you to support HR 2550.

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  25. Thu., May. 8, 2008 11:04 AM    link Pat N. | Shoreview, MN

    Please do whatever it takes to reverse this decision. I am an avid angler and I spend approximately $2000 annually on various fishing and boating accessories. In addition, I spend about $4000 on boat payments and such. I tow my boat and buy at least $2000 in fuel for my vehicle and boat each year. I feel the government is collecting more than enough form me for a hobby just off of sales tax.
    I am a safe boater, I flush my boat after each uyse and clean it at the landing. I do everything in my power to insure I am not harming the environment.

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  27. Tue., May. 6, 2008 12:58 PM    link Aaron S. | West Fargo, ND

    It makes no sense to require recreational boats to have special and expensive equipment on small fishing boats just to process the water that either leaks into a boat or washes over the side.

    Please intervene and correct this issue.

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  29. Mon., May. 5, 2008 11:43 PM    link shane h. | Blaine, MN

    this is stupid, shouldn't cost us more money to own a boat and fish. stop trying to get everyone to pay for stupid stuff and stupid rules.

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  31. Fri., May. 2, 2008 11:32 AM    link Mark B. | Upper Holland, PA

    Please help enact this law, it would otherwise be an unfair, unnecessary and expensive for recreational boat owners.

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  33. Wed., Apr. 30, 2008 12:50 PM    link Roger C. | Bolivia, NC

  34. Sun., Apr. 27, 2008 2:54 PM    link Garry G. | Dorr, MI

  35. Sun., Apr. 27, 2008 9:37 AM    link Doug B. | Edmond, OK

    Please Support us and protect us from this potentially fatal blow to recreational boating. If we do not stop this, an already troubled economy will take a very hard blow. This could be the straw that breaks the camel's back, causing enough of a slowdown in all of the industry related to boating that many people could suffer. Businesses may close, people will loose jobs. Please do not let this be because you do not vote to protect those people that you represent.

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  37. Sat., Apr. 26, 2008 7:08 PM    link Bruce D. | Charlevoix, MI

    I sincerely hope that you act accordingly to pass the recreational boating act of 2007 on behalf of myself and thousands of other michigan boaters.

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  39. Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 11:45 PM    link Patrick G. | Lewisville, TX

    Another BAD idea from Congress to steal more of my money and waste it on frivolous programs in the name of "the environment.".

    Get out of our lives, lakes, and back pockets.

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  41. Fri., Apr. 25, 2008 5:16 PM    link chad m. | escanaba, MI

    It would be sad to stop fishing with my kids over a needless permit for a recreational boat. It cost to much for fuel and supplys now-a-days as it is.

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  43. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 11:01 PM    link Jack W. | Irwin, PA

    Isn't it about time to stop some of the EPA's BS. I can understand the need to regulate discharges from Cruise ships, freighters and tankers, but its ridiculous to harrass pleasure boats. I have to have my cars emission tested, which I feel is a waste of time, energy and money since none of them are more than 4 years old and in perfect tune. Now I'll have to pay $800 more to go sit at the dock next summer?
    I think its time for both of you to realize that PA is one of the states with a large boater population, and some of them do vote.

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  45. Thu., Apr. 24, 2008 4:32 PM    link Charles M. | Minneapolis, MN

    When you have both the EPA and the recreational boating industry agreeing on something like this, it only makes sense to listen to their reason. Please do not impose another unnecessary legal and financial constraint on the public. You may not realize it, but Minnesota has a very large boating industry and a very vast and diverse boating public. Do you really want the Governor to pay an extra fee every year at the "fishing opener?"

    I think you will find that Minnesotans are more than happy to do their share in combating invasive species and trying to help keep our waters clean. Across the nation, more and more boaters are participating in programs with the US Coast Guard as a means of assisting coastal patrols in anti-terrorist work. Help us help you........reinstate the exemption for recreational boaters.

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  47. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 9:13 PM    link David S. | muskego, WI

    Current fuel prices are making it difficult enough to enjoy boating right now. Maybe we should bring back the luxury tax and completely decimate this industry. Please do the right thing and act now, before it is too late.

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  49. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 5:18 PM    link Bryan G. | Marble Falls, TX

    This needs to be change. Please don't make me have to have a permit to use my boat. This will be a low blow to an alreday dieing recreation.

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  51. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 3:01 PM    link Javier M. | Orlando, FL

    Hi,

    I'm a owner of a recreational boat, and I use it no more than 5 times per year. I dedicate an extra effort to commit this my american dream, "my own boat since was a child". Today the gasoline prices have been colaborate to restrict more the use of our boats, however if you approve that you are going to kill this american dream, because thousands of families will be obligated to sale their boats.

    If you believe that this will stop the contamination, you are wrong. Because, today our American Companies contaminates in other Planet locations, however very soon this contaminating particles arrives to our nation, the winds and the sea currents move every thing around the globe. If your intention is prevent contamination, do not act like be a representative with double moral, been so strong for one topic tha you like and been so soft for another, one example of that is at today still US didn't sign up the KIOTO enviromental protection world trade.
    We don't need representatives that only act when some bombs and explosives are discovered in the ground of a middle school and the TV is showing it in the news every day.

    Thanks in advance.

    Javier

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  53. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 12:54 PM    link Ira B. | Abingdon, MD

  54. Wed., Apr. 23, 2008 11:25 AM    link Jason C. | Portland, TX

    This act would stop my family to afford boating and would force me to sell my boat and jet ski.

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  56. Tue., Apr. 22, 2008 4:16 PM    link Robin B. | Halstead, KS

    I urge you to not delay taking action. The original bill was never intended to include recreational boaters. This would cripple the boating and fishing industry and the economy does not need this additional strain.

    Thank you for your time and attention.

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  58. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 9:50 PM    link David T. | Harbor Springs, MI

    I ask that you please help us clarify what should and should not be exempt from this act. Recreational boaters are not the culprits, but the international fleets of freight boats that enter thru the St. Lawrence Seaway. Maybe we get some people looking at the long term affects that these ships are causing to our "Great Lakes".

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  60. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 9:09 PM    link Kevin A. | Escanaba, MI

  61. Mon., Apr. 21, 2008 12:24 PM    link Brian E. | Mundelein, IL

  62. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 12:10 PM    link Alan T. | Menominee, MI

  63. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 10:00 AM    link chris w. | escanaba, MI

    No need for debate. This is something that has to be done.

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  65. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 7:51 AM    link Ron H. | East Jordan, MI

  66. Sun., Apr. 20, 2008 1:11 AM    link Kevin L. | Rapid River, MI

    I'm so sick of our governments GROWING lack of common sense! This is rediculous and must not be implemented.

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  68. Tue., Apr. 15, 2008 10:56 AM    link Ryan A. | Eleroy, IL

    Please vote for the exemption for recreational boaters. We as recreational boaters, and fishermen and fisherwomen, already pay for not only our watercraft, but also the cost of motors that are compliant with EPA regulations, the higher cost of the oil required in these motors, pay extra for the fuel while using the watercraft. If this exemption does not pass, then it will hurt the economy of the marine industry in Illinois, and the entire United States. Think of the economic impact that will snowball; Fewer watercraft being registered, less fuel being purchased (rising fuel costs + clean water permit), used watercraft for sale increasing, new watercraft not selling, marine industry struggling/failing.

    In order to preserve the significant contributions made be recreational boaters, the exemption for recreational watercraft MUST continue.

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  70. Tue., Apr. 15, 2008 10:09 AM    link scott f. | pequot lakes, MN

    this wrong by the ninth circuit court must be corrected. in the land of 10,000 lakes a permit costing $800 or more would change a way of life for alot of people. as a kid growing up in MN i spent most of the summer months on the water first in a rowboat than a small motor boat please don't take this away from the kids today who can't aford this permit.

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  72. Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 10:10 AM    link William M. | Tomahawk, WI

  73. Mon., Apr. 14, 2008 9:05 AM    link Robert H. | Mount Prospect, IL

    This is another example of lack of common sense on the part of our courts, and elected officials. When will it stop. We can no longer afford a government that does not think and act rationally.

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  75. Sun., Apr. 13, 2008 11:01 AM    link John H. | Lake Ozark, MO

    I restore classic boats, and have quite a few (WAY too many!). However, I LOVE them . we live on a lake, and travel to others with our boat (s) for fun. Needless to say we help the economy greatly with this hobby. Want to hurt our economy badly?? Make it so the few of us who have the extra cash to spend on fun can't afford our hobbys anymore. We already pay way too much on property taxes (boats do not qualify for 'antique' or historical status). We need to keep our waterways clean so that boaters & others can enjoy them, but lets keep the recreational boaters there too!!

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  77. Sat., Apr. 12, 2008 6:10 PM    link James H. | Hinesville, GA

    Boating recreation is a large part of my family activities and I cannot afford the pending permit system. I have served 23 years in the U.S. Army and I'm still on active duty. I am asking for the support of my Senators and Representative to help maintain a way of life that I have defended for over half of my life (currently 40 years old). Allowing this permit system to be emplaced will have devasting results reaching far into the sports and recreation industry, families who earn a living through that industry and the morale of the American family who enjoys the benefits of our great nation through boating related recreation. Thank you.

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  79. Sat., Apr. 12, 2008 12:27 PM    link Charles L. | Somonauk, IL

  80. Sat., Apr. 12, 2008 12:25 PM    link Cindy M. | Somonauk, IL

  81. Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 4:12 PM    link Brent H. | Ortonville, MN

  82. Thu., Apr. 10, 2008 8:42 AM    link Anne H. | Fox Lake, IL

    Our boat is moored on Lake Michigan and as long-time, responsible boaters, we do everything in our power to ensure the safety of our water. We use only bio-degradeable soaps to wash our boat, purchase expensive diesel additives to cut-down on engine emissions and closely monitor our engines for any potential oil/diesel leaks. The same can be said for the myriad of neighbors in our marina.

    We know and understand the importance of our natural resource and further regulation by the government will not improve the condition of our water. What it will do is anger a larger number of tax-paying citizens. With the economy in a recession, is this the time to levy another fee on an already over-whelmed population?

    Please vote against this measure!

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  84. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 8:44 PM    link Kenneth S. | Fairview, MT

    The exemptiion for recreational boats should remain in effect. The added cost for recreational boat permits is a joke.

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  86. Wed., Apr. 9, 2008 7:37 PM    link Vito K. | Bridgeview, IL

    I dont understand why the tax payer keeps getting shafted over constant cost added to us while it lets big corporations get away with killing the economy at the gas pump and everywhere we look its raise this tax and that tax, cause the little guy will pay. Its a shame to say I live in the United States, I have to learn to speak spanish, illegals get our social security we pay into and were taxed to no end due to wastefull goverment spending. It sucks to be a U.S. Citizen!

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  88. Mon., Apr. 7, 2008 6:31 PM    link Craig B. | Chicago, IL

    Boating is a way of life , to myself and fellow boaters. We already do everything in our power to make sure that our waters stay clean, we want to keep them clean for ourselves and future generations to enjoy. If congress does not act, this system will kill boating, therefore hurting an already bad economy. Please do somehting to stop this madness. Thank you.

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  90. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 1:13 PM    link Jeffrey R. | Wheeling, IL

    Yet another law for the books and another tax, that punishes the little guy. I can't partake of using the wind and sailing without another permit at the cost of $800 to $2,000. Next the government will have a permit and a tax required when I exhale.

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  92. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 1:12 PM    link Jeffrey R. | Wheeling, IL

    Yet another law for the books and another tax, that punishes the little guy. I can't partake of using the wind and sailing without another permit at the cost of $800 to $2,000. Next the government will have a permit and a tax required when I exhale.

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  94. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 11:10 AM    link Patrick S. | Ligonier, PA

    It isn't bad enough we have to register cars, motorcycles, atv's, and boats every year, now your trying to shove this up our asses? Here's a novel idea why don't you SPEND LESS or spend what you get more efficiently? Another idea-try getting rid of some laws for a change-Land of the Free doesn't really seem to apply here anymore, does it?

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  96. Sat., Apr. 5, 2008 9:28 AM    link Fred F. | La Grange Park, IL

    Please suport this Senate Bill . If this is not done 18 million boaters will be affected, many by selliing thier boats or giving up boating altogether. Our economy is already in danger lets not do any more damage to it.

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  98. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 11:25 PM    link Raymond V. | Lorain, OH

    Please support the Senate bill 2766. Not only does it make sense to prevent pleasure boaters from being put in the same category as freighters ballast requirements, it is a must to help the recreational boating industry from being further devasted from a bad economy and exorbitant fuel prices. Once again, please support this bill. Thank you.

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  100. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 11:45 AM    link Randy L. | Beaver Falls, PA

    If the boating act is not passed, I will more than likely need to sell my boat, raft and canoe. With the rising gas prices and now this, it would be too expensive to own a boat. This would be devasting to the recreational boating industry as well as recreational retail outlets that support the boating and fishing industries. State and Federal parks would be affected by the reduction of campers & boaters using their facilities. I do keep track of the senator and represeatives in my area that do not vote based on my needs. We need your help.

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  102. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 11:44 AM    link Randy L. | Beaver Falls, PA

    If the boatinf act is not passed, I will more than like need to sell my boat, raft and canoe. This would be devasting to the recreational boating industry as well as recreational retail outlets that support the boating and fishing industries. State and Federal parks would be affected by the reduction of campers & boaters using their facilities. I do keep track of the senator and represeatives in my area that do not vote based on my needs.

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  104. Fri., Apr. 4, 2008 6:58 AM    link larry r. | mercer, PA

    Im a boat owner and disagree with the permit and if this permit is inforced i will not use my boat which in return will take money from the boating industry and our economy.

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  106. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 8:58 AM    link Thomas L. | North Tonawanda, NY

    I agree we need to do something. My 17' outboard motorboat would not be useable because I know I can't afford any more permits. The only thing I pump overboard is bilge water from wave spray. But any boat used inland that has overboard disharge capabilities should be looked at for regulating. A lot of larger boats have offshore capabilities where they can legally disharge waste overboard in International ocean waters. These same boats are also sold for use on Inland fresh-water bodies. Any idea how many people just pull the lever to dump overboard while running ?? It costs money to have their waste tanks pumped out. This is what should be looked at .

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  108. Thu., Apr. 3, 2008 6:58 AM    link Mark V. | Nunica, MI

    I can't imagine why this would be considered for recreational boaters, when it was intended for ballast water of ocean going vessels. I currently own a small fishing boat, a small sailboat, and a larger pleasure boat. This would certainly strip me of my recreational boating....I disagree with this and strongly urge congress to act accordingly to save the recreational boating industry.

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  110. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 9:21 PM    link Judson P. | Penn Yan, NY

    As a retired NYS Environmental Conservation Officer I just can't afford this on my fixed income !! $ approx. $800.00 for my small fishing boat ?? Please kill this bill !!

    Sincerely,
    Lt. Judson Peck, retired
    NYS Dept of Environmental Conservation

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  112. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 8:20 PM    link John K. | Centerville, OH

    Just another example of big government not being able to see the forest because the trees are in the way. Use some common sense and look at the big picture. This court decision will criple an industry all ready in trouble for other stupid reasons that big government has caused as well. When will the madness stop! Be responsible, be logical, and just remember that God put man at the top of the food chain for a reason...we are supposed to be able to manage ourselves and the environment with wise decisions!

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  114. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 5:38 PM    link Tim W. | Avon Lake, OH

    Please stop the insanity. Please support Senate Bill #2766, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008", and provide a permanent exemption for recreational boats from the upcoming EPA discharge permit requirement.

    The rumored $800 price tag of this permit would make recreational boating cost prohibitive for me and millions of boaters like me. The millions of dollars that recreational boaters pump into the economy will evaporate.

    Please save my primary leisure activity!

    Thank you!

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  116. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 9:30 AM    link Rodney M. | McHenry, IL

    Obviously I feel that this law and the removal of the exception is absolutely rediculous for recreational boaters and for sure for the pressure it would put on the EPA trying to issue the permits. Boaters in general are very aware of saving and improving the quality of the lakes that we boat on and having a permit is going to do nothing to improve the quality of lakes. I don't see the EPA inspecting every boat to see if there is oil in the bildge so what is the use of it. I also know that the good majority of recreational boats in this country are used only on a single lake for the entire year. I have to think that there are far more important things for the EPA to deal with in this country.

    My father Tom McManamy has a long history of working with the Wisconsin DNR and EPA on envirnomental issues related to the foundry industry. And one of the major projects I remember him working on was a multi-year study with several Universities to prove that the foundry sand was not an environmental hazard and that when used for the landfill cover it actually promotted better growth of the grass and not only saved the foundry material costs for the cover but it extended the life of the landfill some 10 years. These are the types of things that the EPA should be working on. Not enacting permits on recreational boaters that are going to do nothing except tie up the EPA resources and cost the boaters hard earned wages.

    Also it really saddens me that our courts and government are doing this when there are far more important safety issues for recreational boaters like requiring a boating safety coarse and a special boating drivers license just like a motorcycle. I've been boating my entire life and I can't tell you how many accidents and how many close calls I have seen that were caused by people who obviously have no clue what the rules are on the water.

    I hope that as my representative that you work hard to get an excemption in place for recreational boats and small yachts use only on inland waterways. Otherwise I'll join in with the rest of the world on thinking how stupid our country has become and how we as a country no longer even have any common sense.

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

  118. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 9:19 AM    link Rodney M. | McHenry, IL

    Obviously I feel that this law and the removal of the exception is absolutely rediculous for recreational boaters and for sure for the pressure it would put on the EPA trying to issue the permits. Boaters in general are very aware of saving and improving the quality of the lakes that we boat on and having a permit is going to do nothing to improve the quality of lakes. I don't see the EPA inpecting every boat to see if there is oil in the bildge so what is the use of it.

    I hope that as my representative that you work hard to get an excemption in place for recreational boats and small yachts use only on inland waterways. Otherwise I'll join in with the rest of the world on thinking how stupid our country has become and how we as a country no longer even have any common sense.

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

  120. Wed., Apr. 2, 2008 8:56 AM    link JOHN M. | Cary, IL

    I have a family of three and we are boaters. We have two PWCs, a RIB, and a cruiser. Through BOATUS and NMMA, I have learned about the above issue that would apply in law to recreational boaters. Being a boating family my understanding of this case ruling will require the EPA to issue permits for the operation of my vessels. Since I have four my understanding is that would cost me a minimum of $800 per vessel or in my case or $3,200 per year to own my boats. This will cause me an undo hardship on my family and will be forced to liquidate my boats at an extreme discount but more importantly will eliminate a family activity that brings family and friends together every weekend of the season.

    My understanding is that this EPA law was intended to apply to commercial vessels that hold ballast water that can bring foreign species into American waters by dumping it. My boat never leaves the body of water I boat on which is Lake Michigan and therefore poses no threat to our environment with regards to foreign species. We also take extreme care not to pollute the water as we want our children to enjoy this natural resource and enjoy recreating in it for future generations. For Lake Michigan, the EPA should be more worried about BP dumping toxins into Lake Michigan contaminating our drinking water then recreational boats and the small amount of gray water that is produced.

    Please review this law and pass an amendment making recreation boats exempt so that my family and friends can continue to play in and enjoy our beautiful Lake Michigan.

    If you do not focus on this the hardship to my family and other boating families, we will be forced to seek out a representatives who does see the enjoyment of our natural resources by the general public for free which is one of the rights given to each American by our forefathers.

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

  122. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 6:22 PM    link Thomas R. | Westerville, OH

  123. Tue., Apr. 1, 2008 9:57 AM    link Julie H. | Meadville, PA

    Recreational boats should be exempt from the permits.

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

  125. Sun., Mar. 30, 2008 4:37 PM    link Michael D. | Perrysburg, OH

  126. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 5:47 PM    link David W. | Hartland, WI

    Have you people lost your mind, Why don't you for once start working for the people in Amearica that
    Keep this country working and free. I am tired of all the bull shit that keeps coming out of Washington.
    Recreational and fishing boats Regesterd in a state of the USA should in no way have any part
    of this EPA ballast water act. Please stop and think about it for a change!

    GOD BLESS

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

  128. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 5:08 PM    link Jim S. | Trempealeau, WI

  129. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:37 AM    link Alan T. | Menominee, MI

    we need your help

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

  131. Sat., Mar. 29, 2008 10:08 AM    link Chad C. | Carbondale, IL

    I make my living as a full-time muskie fishing guide. I support my wife and daughter with this living, and it is already getting more and more difficult to do this with the rising costs of gas, insurance, and other expenses. Please pass the Recreational Boating Act 2007 so we don't have to be charged an additional $800 dollars. This gives you an opportunity to do something for the normal American citizen who is just trying to live this so called "American Dream."

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

  133. Fri., Mar. 28, 2008 2:32 PM    link Dennis A. | Blue Springs, MO

    I think this is a bunch of crap ,how are we to have fun if we can't afford to do it.To have fun on the water you have spend to much money now with all of the permits and stuff.

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

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