A newly introduced Senate bill, "The Clean Boating Act of 2008" (S. 2766) promises to be practical solution to a looming permit deadline for recreational boaters, anglers, and charter boats.
Because of a lawsuit targeting ocean-going commercial vessels carrying ballast water, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is required to implement an "operational discharge permit" for all vessels in the United States - including recreational boats - by September 30, 2008. Without a change in law, all boaters will need to obtain this permit, as early as this summer.
However, with a possible Senate vote in the next few months, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.) is urging recreational boaters to quickly contact their Senate and House legislators to support The Clean Boating Act of 2008.
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