If you're a member, you've probably already seen this. If not, you may be
interested:

November 28, 2007


Dear BoatUS Member,

Your voice counts! And we need it to make sure the Recreational Boating Act
of 2007 is passed quickly. Without this federal legislation you will need
to apply and pay for a discharge permit to legally operate each of your
boats, starting September 30, 2008.

Please take a few minutes and contact your one Representative and two
Senators, even if you have already done so. We need them to support and
co-sponsor "The Recreational Boating Act of 2007" (House Bill #2550 and
Senate Bill #2067).

Because one of your Senators is on the Environment and Public Works
Committee, which can move or stall the Senate Bill, it is especially
important that you act now.

BoatUS has been working with other boating groups to pass this legislation
which will eliminate (for recreational boats only) the new court-imposed
EPA permit. We know that boating depends on clean water and healthy natural
resources. However, a boat permit will not create a tangible environmental
benefit, and it will be another inconvenience and tax for you.

It is important to note that all current environmental restrictions on the
overboard discharge of oil, fuel, garbage, and sewage still stand, and will
not be altered by this legislation.

Help boating by contacting your Representative and Senators:



Ask that they co-sponsor and support House Bill #2550 and Senate Bill #2067
which reinstate the common sense discharge permit exemption for
recreational boats.


Help them understand the looming permit deadline of 9/30/08.


If one of your Members of Congress is co-sponsoring the bill, please say
thanks!

Click here to see co-sponsors for the House Bill

The 10 co-sponsors on the Senate Bill a Martinez (FL), Bunning (KY),
Chambliss (GA), Dole and Burr (NC), Isakson (GA), Sessions (AL), Cornyn and
Hutchison (TX), and Lott (MS).

For background information:

www.boatus.com/gov/fed_alert.asp


Thanks for adding your voice to this critical boating issue.

Margaret Podlich
Vice President, Government Affairs
BoatUS

703-461-2878 x8363

P.S. We know that we are asking you to take several steps to email your
Members of Congress, and we hope that you'll persevere through it. Santa
has promised us new grassroots software that will make articulating and
contacting your Representatives and Senators easier in the New Year!

*****

--
John H