BOATERS BLOG

The Members of Congress took measures in 2016 to ensure recreational boating priorities are addressed and the industry and its boaters are protected. Through Boating United, the voice of recreational boating was heard by top lawmakers of the White House.

The top boating successes for 2016:

• Signed into law the US Coast Guard Authorization, which included a new model year fix and updated engine weight regulations.
• Reauthorized Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), also known as the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN), funding $12 billion in critical waterways infrastructure projects, such as dredging and navigation programs, which benefits recreational boating throughout the country and includes $1.95 billion of funds for Everglades’ restoration.
• Signed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act (REC Act) into law, enabling the federal government to officially measure the true economic strength and size of the outdoor economy as part of overall GDP.
• United outdoor industry groups by forming the Outdoor Recreation Industry Roundtable, to set a policy vision for the 115th Congress and new Administration to benefit outdoor recreation at-large.
• Showcased the boating industry with on-the-water events at the Republican and Democratic presidential party conventions, attracting more than 500 combined attendees and more than a dozen federal, state and local elected officials.
• Hosted six Congressional Boating Caucus briefings and added more than a dozen new members to the caucus.
• Raised over $115,000 through BoatPAC with more than 300 NMMA and MRRA individual member contributions.
• Introduced and passed legislation out of the House of Representatives and the Senate Committee, reversing the 10,000 acre marine reserve at Biscayne National Park.
• Protected boating access at Everglades National Park by creating more pole and troll zones, promoting online boater education, and opening Joe and Snag Bays to non-motorized boating.
• Hosted American Boating Congress with a record breaking 275 attendees and 175 meetings on Capitol Hill during the three-day conference.
• Spearheaded Congressional “Dear Colleague” letter with 45 members of Congress to call on the EPA to better educate small engine consumers on the dangers of E15.
• Ensured continued recreational fishing and boating access at two new national marine monument designations.

For more information on 2016 advocacy and how to get involved in 2017, please visit NMMA

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