Klobuchar Helps Win Senate Passage of Bill to Protect Minnesota's Recreational Boaters

Press Release

Klobuchar Helps Win Senate Passage of Bill to Protect Minnesota's Recreational Boaters

Measure frees Minnesota boaters from burdensome paperwork requirements

The Senate today adopted legislation cosponsored by U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar to protect Minnesota's recreational boaters from being burdened with additional permit requirements under federal water regulations. The Clean Boating Act of 2008 would ensure that broad federal standards on boat discharges, such as bilge water and engine fluids, will not require small-boat owners to apply for cumbersome federal permits.

"Minnesota is the Land of 10,000 Lakes, a state where we protect our water and other natural resources. But we can do it without placing unnecessary burdens on the family boater,'' Klobuchar said. "This legislation ensures that recreational boaters all across the state can focus on fishing and having fun, not new regulations."

The Clean Boating Act of 2008 protects a 35-year-old exemption so that incidental discharges from small recreational boats, such as deck runoff and engine cooling water, do not require the same major federal permits required of larger commercial vessels. It also requires the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to develop reasonable and practical guidelines for recreational boaters to protect water from engine discharges.

The measure passed the Senate this week by unanimous consent.

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