Governor’s New Budget: California Wants Boaters to Pay More for Less!

RBOC is urging recreational boaters to contact their State Senators and Assembly Members ASAP and request that their elected representatives reject Governor Newsom’s proposal that we pay a 300% increase in boat registration fees for less state boating programs and services. 

Click Here to Contact your state representatives and sample text

Let us know you took action by emailing us: rboc@rboc.org.

RBOC is very concerned that a two-year boating community stakeholder process has resulted in Governor Newsom’s May Revise proposal for the next state budget fiscal year that begins on July 1. It increases vessel registration fees by even more than originally proposed, for a 300% increase, without returning any more value to boaters, and ignoring the substantial $107 million per year contribution boaters already pay via the state fuel tax.

RBOC President Debrenia Madison Smith stressed: “This levy will create a financial barrier to healthy on-the-water opportunities for the average California boater, whose boat is under 25 feet in length, and even more so for individuals in disadvantaged communities or on fixed incomes.”

The average boat owner in California has an income of less than $70,000 per year, among those who are least able to afford the significant 300% increases in their registration fees. It will essentially make boating an activity that the average Californian family cannot afford.

The number of registered vessels in California has already been decreasing. Several years ago, California ranked third in the number of registered boats by state, today the state is fifth.  Local assessors have been drastically increasing the assessed value of vessels for local property tax purposes, regardless of their age. New marina developments are reducing the number of slips available for small boats. Boaters are being required to spend more money on less effective hull paints.

The hardship of quadrupling fees coupled with severely increased fuel costs will also decrease tax revenue from boaters that fuel boats and the vehicles that tow them off the water, impact on the water or walkable restaurants accessed by boats, shopping by boaters who buy boating and camping equipment, and pay for repairs. Our communities will pay less fees for fishing and hunting, and fewer launches will decrease launch fees collected and place more hardships on marina owners.

In addition, the boating community is frustrated that a collaborative stakeholder-driven process is being announced and rushed through, in part, with little notification to the boating community that engaged in good faith in this process, with little to no time to review, react, or discuss the elements of the proposal the Governor is putting forth and those that he is leaving off the table.

The May Revise does not implement key recommendations of the two-year stakeholder process. The revise does not increase efficiency by actions such as transferring boat registration functions from the state Department of Motor Vehicles [DMV] to the Department of Boating and Waterways [DBW]. It does not improve transparency and accountability, instead it authorizes future registration fee increases without legislation. 

The increase also does not address the inappropriate uses of registration fees. This includes the DMV cost of administering and collecting the fees, as well as the depletion of the fund by re-direction of significant vessel registration fees to the California Air Resources Board that is set to sunset on January 1 of next year.

The cumulative impact of the May Revise is that 750,000 boaters throughout California are being made to pay more for less. 

RBOC is urging boaters to contact their state legislators and request that they reject the May Revise as announced on May 12 and instead:

• Dedicate a minimum of $20 million annually in fuel tax dollars attributable to boaters to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund.

• Remove the proposed authority for the vessel registration fee amount to be raised without future legislation.

• Reject SB 84 and AB 241 that would extend the January 1, 2024 statutory sunset on the law providing boat registration fees to CARB and instead deposit those fees in the HWRF.

• Transfer the boat registration function from DMV to DBW.

• Lower the amount of the increased vessel registration fee to a reasonable level.

RBOC remains committed to working with the Governor and Legislature to increase the opportunities for Californians to have equitable access to on-the-water opportunities. To accomplish this objective, the provisions of the just-announced May Revise need to be significantly revised. RBOC is therefore opposed to the May Revise provisions in the proposed budget for FY 2023-2024 as announced on May 12.

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Save Delta Boating - Take Action by December 16

RBOC is requesting that boaters take action by December 16 in opposition to the latest draft Delta Conveyance that would negatively impact the ability of the recreational boating public to navigate in the waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

To take action by email, mail, verbally or online: click here

Let us know that you have taken action by emailing us: rboc@rboc.org.

RBOC opposes this Delta Conveyance Project in comments submitted to the California Department of Water Resources. For a copy of the letter: click here.

More on our position:

RBOC opposes the Delta Conveyance Project that would negatively impact the ability of the recreational boating public to navigate in the waterways of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

 RBOC has commented previously and consistently as the state has considered the Bay Delta Conservation Plan, the California Water Fix and now the single Delta Conveyance Project.

This project has several fatal flaws. Specific to recreation, the project would severely disrupt navigation, boating-related commerce and communities throughout the lengthy, fourteen years of construction. It is a false assumption that recreational activity would merely move to other areas.

There is a potential for the project to significantly increase the transport of invasive species into the Delta waterways, and to exacerbate the occurrence of harmful algal blooms. These reduce recreational opportunities on the waterways and already impose significant costs on the boating community.

These boating impacts would be long-term and even permanent. However, the project fails to adequately identify and fully mitigate these impacts with certainty.

While the project might enhance the availability of fresh water for transport out of the Delta, the $14 billion expenditure would hasten the demise of aquatic conditions in the Delta as climate change occurs. The foreseeable impacts include higher air temperatures, varying seasonality of inflows, fluctuations in wet weather periods as well as droughts, decreased snow melt, increased risk of wildfires, saltwater intrusion further into the Delta, higher sea levels, and decreased water quality especially during droughts.

However, the draft environmental impact analysis inadequately analyses these future risks. It unrealistically limits the future conditions only to the year 2040 for the evaluation of the climate as well as social impacts. It also fails to either disclose or evaluate numerous uncertainties, unknowns, and assumptions associated with the project.

To the contrary, the laws, policies and projects that are already in place including water conservation, recycling, ground water recovery, desalination plants, surface water storage, ground water management, support a No Project Alternative.

RBOC remains concerned that this project creates no new sources of water to address the impacts of the drought, climate change, and population growth. The primary emphasis is to move high quality water from the Delta, which would leave poor quality water for the inhabitant fish species, wildlife and humans. The project does not restore and protect the Delta and its ecosystems. The mitigations are weak to non-existent and in many instances, impacts are mis-characterized as ‘LTS’ [less than significant] to ‘NI’ [No Impact].

In summary, the key concerns are:

1. Disruption to navigable waters in the Delta for 14 years during construction

2. Does not adequately address climate change and its impacts on decreased snow melt

3. Unquantified Groundwater Impacts (for Example Table 8.0) non meaningful LTS – Less Than Significant

4. Does not create any new sources of water

5. Will wreak havoc on the aquatic species, wildlife, inhabitants, recreational users and supporting industries

For more information on the Delta Conveyance and the Draft EIR: click here

Governor's Budget Proposes 250% Boat Registration Fee Increase - Make Your Voice Heard!

California boaters will see their boat registration fees increase from a minimum of $20 every two years to at least $70 every two years as soon as July 1 if Governor Gavin Newsom’s state budget proposal is enacted. Budget subcommittees in the state Senate and Assembly are discussing this proposal now, and are anticipated to decide on the issue in the next few weeks.

We urge you to contact your state Senator and Assembly Member and request this proposal be revised to ensure boater taxes go to their intended purposes.

To quickly and easily send your message directly to your legislator: CLICK HERE

RBOC is engaged in this advocacy effort together with our national advocacy partner BoatUS.

Some background:

The Governor’s proposed state budget for the Division of Boating and Waterways [DBW] proposes adjustments to the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF].  The HWRF receives no monies from the state’s General Fund. It is comprised of boat fuel tax dollars, registration fees, federal monies, and interest payments on loans from the fund.

The HWRF supports several programs and services that benefit boaters including infrastructure such as launch ramps, education, aquatic centers, local boating law enforcement, the boater certification card, and invasive species prevention and control.

The Governor’s current budget proposal includes a vessel registration fee increase from $20 every two years to $70 every two years effective July 1.

This proposed registration fee increase is being considered as the state increasingly dedicates boater fuel tax dollars for the state parks system. This started decades ago, and now totals $107 million each year. In contrast, only $15 million [14%] of the fuel taxes paid by boaters are placed in the HWRF for the programs and services that directly benefit boaters.

Boaters Urged to Take Action to Preserve Navigation Through Kelp Beds - Alamitos Bay Entrance Channel

Sign up to testify remotely on Friday, December 11

Agenda Item 13a - CD-0007-19 (Corps of Engineers, Los Angeles Co.)

 To sign up to provide testimony on December 11: click here 

Email your comments to: EORFC@coastal.ca.gov

RBOC is urging boaters to take action and testify remotely in the Friday, December 11 California Coastal Commission meeting, urging the commission to preserve the ability to navigate through proposed kelp  beds  that will be close to the Alamitos Bay entrance channel in Southern California.  RBOC submitted a second set of comments on November 24 and will be testifying.

While RBOC supports the concept of the USACE East San Pedro Bay Habitat Enhancement, some of its elements cause serious misgivings - specifically, the construction of kelp beds close to the Alamitos Bay entrance channel. Kelp beds outside the Long Beach breakwater seem entirely appropriate and RBOC envisions minimal negative results from such construction.

Kelp beds constructed in the vicinity of the very busy Alamitos Bay entrance will present serious hazards to the many recreational boaters and fishermen coming and going at all times of the day. Alamitos Bay is home to a large number of boats that come and go regularly.

However, many boaters and fishermen from all up and down the coast frequently enter the harbor and are likely to refer to Navigation Charts for guidance since they may not be familiar with those waters.  Current Navigation Charts of Long Beach Harbor do not show any kelp beds in the area.

Navigation Charts always show kelp beds where they occur and identify them as a danger for mariners: “the potential exists for recreational boaters who traverse over kelp forests to get their propeller blades caught in the kelp at the ocean surface.”

The risk described here minimizes the degree of danger presented to boats under power. Kelp consists of long, strong strands that can easily become wrapped in a boats propeller and can even cause engines to stall, rendering the boat disabled.  In extreme situations, thick kelp can become tightly wrapped around a propeller shaft and pull the shaft away from the transmission leaving a large hole in the hull to allow water ingress.                                                                                                        

The proposal mentions that: ‘Kelp bed placement would be localized in clusters identifiable to boaters. Pathways for boats to avoid kelp ... have been included in the design to ensure boaters have adequate open water space.”

While it is possible that local mariners may become familiar with the location of kelp beds in the area of a harbor entrance and avoid them, visiting sailors and fishermen will have no way to know where these hazards are located.

Kelp forest is not static. It grows and spreads, often in unpredictable directions. And even local boaters may be arriving or leaving the harbor in hours of darkness or in heavy fog that is not an uncommon occurrence. It would not be easy to identify kelp beds in such conditions.

Stormy weather that drives sailors to seek refuge in a safe harbor also makes it impossible to identify kelp forests and the peril of a stalled engine while approaching a rocky breakwater is extreme.

RBOC, therefore, urges the Commission to review this proposal carefully and consider modifying it to minimize the potential danger presented by placing kelp forest in the vicinity of a busy recreational harbor approach.

To illustrate the significance of harbor approaches, following is an excerpt of the directions for mariners entering the harbor:

The Alamitos Bay entrance is marked by two stone jetties which enter the bay in a NNE direction.

On the Western jetty Is a 25 foot, 6 second green flashing light, also with a foghorn.

The entrance is located approximately 030 degrees magnetic at 1.1 5 miles from the East end of the Long Beach Breakwater; and approximately 285 degrees magnetic at 1.1 miles from the Anaheim Bay (Huntington Harbor) channel entrance.

Take care when entering Alamitos Bay that you identify both stone jetties.

One to port and one to starboard. The San Gabriel River sits directly on the Southeast side of the Eastern jetty.

It becomes extremely shallow quickly, and its bottom is dotted with wrecks and rocky shoals. Therefore, enter Alamitos Bay only when you can identify jetties within 100 yards on both sides of your boat.

The Alamitos Bay Channel is marked with a series of centerline buoys.

Stay to starboard of this row when traveling in either direction.

Also be aware that a silt pumping barge sometimes sits in the channel to clear out shoal areas. It is well marked with round yellow cans.

Stay more than 20 feet from these cans, as they are usually attached to The dredging hose hanging below the surface.

The speed limit throughout Alamitos Bay, including the entrance channel, is 5 m.p.h., strictly enforced by the Long Beach Marine Bureau patrol boats.

Boaters Urged to Contact Coastal Commission to Preserve Ability of Boaters to Navigate Through Proposed Kelp Beds

RBOC and the Southern California Yachting Association [SCYA] urge California boaters to contact the California Coastal Commission [CCC] asap and urge that a well-intentioned proposal to improve aquatic ecosystem structure and function for increased habitat biodiversity and ecosystem value within East San Pedro Bay be revised to protect the continued ability of boaters to safely navigate this popular area.

All California boaters should take action - many boaters traveling up and down the coast go into Alamitos Bay. Not to mention racing boats in that area. The risk to them of getting into kelp near the entrance is great. Particularly if the kelp expands.

For the call-to-action with specifics on this issue and details on submitting comments on-line by September 4, requesting to testify by September 10, and testifying on September 11: click here

RBOC CONTINUES CALL TO ACTION – PRESERVE BOATING & FISHING OPPORTUNITIES IN CALIFORNIA

We are continuing our call-to-action to preserve boating and fishing opportunities until Wednesday, August 12. Today, the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee postponed consideration of AB 3030 [Kalra] until its August 12 hearing. So there is still time for boaters to take action!

RBOC and our national advocacy partner BoatU.S. urge boaters to contact their California State Senators and request they vote against AB 3030 [Kalra] unless the legislation is amended to include provisions that acknowledge recreational boating and fishing as being consistent with the measure’s objective of conserving biodiversity. 

RBOC and BoatU.S. support the objective of AB 3030 to set a target for California to conserve 30 percent of land areas and waters within the state by 2030 to protect habitat and improve access to nature for all. But the content of the legislation is overly broad and does not define “protection.”

It is foreseeable that AB 3030 could be allow state and local governments to unnecessarily restrict or prohibit recreational boating. The bill lacks key definitions, contains broad and ambiguous statements, and fails to acknowledge existing protections and ongoing conservation initiatives as existing protections that would count toward its “30 percent” goal.

While AB 3030 mentions “access to nature” there is no specific mention of boating.

It is critical that California senators amend AB 3030 to include an explicit recognition that recreational boating is consistent with environmental conservation and that boating access will not be curtailed by the measure.  As currently written, this is far from clear. 

It is important that boaters take action today and urge their California State Senators to ensure that AB 3030 is amended to recognize recreational boating as consistent with the objectives of the legislation. The votes will come soon given the shortened legislative session caused by months of recess due to the pandemic.

You can easily contact your State Senator by visiting the BoatU.S. Government Affairs webpage. It provides a pre-filled form. Note that you can change the message to add your own perspectives on this legislation.

To take action: Click Here

RBOC Call to Action – Preserve Boating and Fishing Opportunities in California

RBOC and our national advocacy partner BoatU.S. urge boaters to contact their California State Senators and request they vote against AB 3030 [Kalra] unless the legislation is amended to include provisions that acknowledge recreational boating and fishing as being consistent with the measure’s objective of conserving biodiversity. 

RBOC and BoatU.S. support the objective of AB 3030 to set a target for California to conserve 30 percent of land areas and waters within the state by 2030 to protect habitat and improve access to nature for all. But the content of the legislation is overly broad and does not define “protection.”

It is foreseeable that AB 3030 could be allow state and local governments to unnecessarily restrict or prohibit recreational boating. The bill lacks key definitions, contains broad and ambiguous statements, and fails to acknowledge existing protections and ongoing conservation initiatives as existing protections that would count toward its “30 percent” goal.

While AB 3030 mentions “access to nature” there is no specific mention of boating.

It is critical that California senators amend AB 3030 to include an explicit recognition that recreational boating is consistent with environmental conservation and that boating access will not be curtailed by the measure.  As currently written, this is far from clear. 

It is important that boaters take action today and urge their California State Senators to ensure that AB 3030 is amended to recognize recreational boating as consistent with the objectives of the legislation. The votes will come soon given the shortened legislative session caused by months of recess due to the pandemic.

You can easily contact your State Senator by visiting the BoatU.S. Government Affairs webpage. It provides a pre-filled form. Note that you can change the message to add your own perspectives on this legislation.

To take action: Click Here

ASAP: SCYA and PICYA Clubs and Members - Contact Your Elected Officials to Help Clubs During COVID-19 Pandemic

RBOC is urging SCYA & PICYA clubs and members to take action right now as a decision could be made any moment:

Clubs – please go to this link to contact members of Congress, urging that they extend eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program [PPP] to our clubs and other nonprofit organizations when Congress considers the next COVID-19 emergency assistance legislation: click here

This link is to the campaign by the US Chamber of Commerce that generates contacts with legislators on this issue. Clubs can identify themselves and indicate their status [most are 501[c][7]s].

The letter emphasizes several critical points that apply to clubs: the impact the coronavirus impact is having on nonprofit organizations; that clubs contribute to the spirit and vitality of our communities; as well as the fact that clubs employ thousands of people and provide important workforce development and educational tools, economic support, and civic and cultural events.

Thanks and please let us know if you submitted a request - just email us: rboc@rboc.org

Individual Members \ Boaters – Individuals are urged to contact their 2 US Senators and representatives in the US House of Representatives. Key points for these contacts:

• Urging that they extend eligibility for the Paycheck Protection Program [PPP] to 501[c][7] clubs and other nonprofit organizations when Congress considers the next COVID-19 emergency assistance legislation.

• Noting that:

• The coronavirus is having a significant impact on nonprofit organizations

• Clubs contribute to the spirit and vitality of our communities

• Clubs employ thousands of people and provide important workforce development and educational tools, economic support, and civic and cultural events

To contact Senator Diane Feinstein: click here

To contact Senator Kamala Harris: click here

To identify and contact your representative in the US House of Representatives: click here

Thanks and please let us know if you submitted a request - just email us: rboc@rboc.org

Join us on April 30 - Learn more about our advocacy efforts on this and other key boating issues at our first RBOC & BoatUS Government Affairs Town Hall webinar on Thursday, April 30. To register [it is free]: click here

Call-to-Action - San Diego Boaters – Proposed Restriction on In-Water Boat Hull Cleaning

Recreational Boaters of California [RBOC], working together with local boaters and clubs, urges San Diego area boaters to take action right away to prevent a proposed restriction on the in-water cleaning of boat hulls that have copper-based antifouling paint.  How to take action:

1.       Email your concerns – see sample email below – prior to midnight on December 23.

2.       Attend and testify - at the December 10 and January 9 meetings of the Port of San Diego.

Send your email to: hullcleaning@portofsandiego.org

Sample email: 

To Whom it may concern:

I have read with dismay the proposed amendment to the Ordinance for regulating in-water-hull-cleaning.

The proposed changes will result in an inflexible, unworkable and costly regulation.

It has clearly been drafted by people who have little or no understanding of boating or boat maintenance.

I urge you to rather consider the option of Site Specific testing in San Diego Bay to determine whether marine organisms that actually reside there are being harmed.

This testing should be conducted prior to the adoption of the draconian measures in the proposed amendment.

As boaters we support Site Specific Testing.

This approach has been followed in San Francisco where copper levels similar to San Diego Bay were determined to be non-toxic.

Surely it makes for better policy to develop data on an issue before developing regulations that may not be necessary.

Attend and speak at each upcoming meeting of the San Diego Unified Port District:

1.       10 am on Tuesday, December 10:

Don L. Nay Port Administration Boardroom, 3165 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101

[Agenda Item D. Public Communications – the proposed amendment is not on the agenda]

2.       2 pm on Thursday, January 9:

Don L. Nay Port Administration Boardroom, 3165 Pacific Hwy., San Diego, CA 92101

[Anticipated discussion and decision on the proposed amendment to the ordinance]

For specific information on the proposed amendment on the Unified Port of San Diego website: click here

Bay Area Boaters Urged to Contact Their Legislators - Reform BCDC!

Recreational Boaters of California [RBOC] urges boaters throughout the San Francisco Bay Area to contact their state legislators and urge them to follow-up on the findings of a recent state audit and pursue the essential reforms to ensure that the San Francisco Bay Conservation and Development Commission [BCDC] performs its key responsibilities in a fair, consistent and timely manner. This is important to ensure that the thousands of bay area boaters have access to marinas and boatyards.

There are several actions that would advance this effort. For instance, the size of the commission should be reduced from 27, as it is too large to provide effective governance. Also, the statutorily-mandated Citizens’ Advisory Committee [CAC] should be re-activated.

To identify and contact your legislators: click here

More on this issue:

RBOC applauds the leadership of the bipartisan legislative coalition led by Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin [D-South San Francisco] with Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron [R-Escondido], Senator Jerry Hill, [D-San Mateo], and Assemblymember Marc Berman [D-Palo Alto].

In response to their request, the California State Auditor investigated BCDC’s enforcement activities, adherence to its mission, funding, operational needs and structure.

The State Auditor’s summary of its recent audit:

Our audit of the commission revealed the following:

• The commission has struggled to perform key responsibilities related to the protection of the Bay and the Suisun Marsh.

• Staff spend years attempting to resolve violations before referring them to the commissioners for enforcement action, amassing a backlog of 230 cases.

  • The commissioners are considering amnesty for some of the violators in these cases, even though they may represent ongoing harm to the Bay.

• The commissioners have not provided sufficient leadership and guidance for their enforcement process and have improperly delegated their enforcement authority to staff.

• The commission has not assessed the implementation of a plan to safeguard the Suisun Marsh, as state law requires, increasing the possibility of harm to the marsh.

• The commission’s approach to identifying individual violations has led to inconsistencies in its imposition of fines.

• The commission’s recent creation and implementation of a system for scoring and prioritizing cases is too complex to accomplish this goal effectively.

RBOC concurs in the statement of Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin: “The State Auditor’s comprehensive report makes abundantly clear that a legislative audit request of BCDC was absolutely necessary.  As I suspected, the State Auditor has found that the Commission has struggled to perform key responsibilities related to consistent enforcement and as a result, has allowed ongoing harm to the Bay.”    

RBOC Call to Action - May 9 & 10 Newport Beach Copper Workshops

RBOC is urging Orange County boaters to attend one or both public workshops on Thursday, May 9 and Friday, May 10 in Newport Beach and to provide comments to prevent new copper reduction programs that will mandate boat paint conversions, hull cleaning best management practices, hull cleaning certification programs and education programs.

Key Points for Boater Public Comments:

No toxicity has ever been found to be associated with copper in the last 8 years in Lower Newport Bay. The City engaged in studies to measure the presence of toxicity associated with elevated copper concentrations.

Significant management actions taken by the State that will lower dissolved copper in the Bay. The Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) adopted new regulations that began July 1, 2018 and will be in full effect by July 2020.

The new regulations put limits on copper concentrations in anti-fouling paints that are expected to reduce dissolved copper concentrations by 30% after about five years as boats convert to the new copper paints over time.

 Copper sources outside the bay are expected to be reduced through the brake pad initiative.

In 2010, SB 346 was adopted, and required the reformulation of brake pads to reduce their copper content which is believed to contribute about 50% of the copper in urban runoff. That reduction in copper loading from the watershed is expected to be effective within the next five years.

The regional board needs to work with the state to develop paint formulations that provide the needed anti-fouling while meeting standards, in the event that the copper concentrations in the State approved paints create an environmental concern. Boat paints are regulated by the state. The City, County or other agencies do not control the decision of an individual boat owner in the selection of legal copper based paints. The State has invested significantly in the two copper reduction initiatives mentioned above.

Boaters urge the regional board to postpone the basin plan amendment and to have the State examine the effectiveness of the current reduction efforts over the next five years prior to requiring further actions that may not be necessary.

May 9, 2019

5:30 – 7:30 p.m.

Marina Park Community Center – Event Room, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach, CA 92663

May 10, 2019

11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Newport Beach Central Library – Friends Room, 1000 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach, CA 92660

Unable to attend \ Want to Ensure Your Comments are Received?

Email them to the regional board: to Linda Candelaria, PhD at RB8.CuTMDL@Waterboards.ca.gov

Links to References:

Details on the May 9 and 10 workshops

City of Newport Beach Fact Sheet

RBOC August 2018 public comments

BoatUS Asks Boaters to Help Coast Guard Members: Donate to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance

SPRINGFIELD, Va., Jan. 24, 2019 – With the partial government shutdown now more than a month old, the nation’s largest advocacy, services, and safety group for recreational boaters, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), recognizes the hardship members of the U.S. Coast Guard are facing by not receiving their paychecks. In addition to working on a legislative solution to pay our Coast Guard, BoatUS urges recreational boaters to consider making a donation to Coast Guard Mutual Assistance (CGMA), the official relief society of the U.S. Coast Guard, at cgmahq.org.

BoatUS made a $25,000 donation to the organization, which is using the funds for “lapse assistance” to help Coast Guard members receive interest-free loans to pay bills. CGMA is the only aid group authorized by the Coast Guard to provide lapse-related assistance to Coast Guard members, both active duty and civilian personnel. These bridge loans may total up to $1,500 for members and civilians with dependents or $1,000 for those without. Coast Guard personnel may apply at cgmahq.org/shutDown/clients.html.

“The dedicated people who come to our aid night or day, in sunny skies or stormy seas, now could use a little bit of our help,” said BoatUS Government Affairs Manager David Kennedy. “This valuable lapse program can help our Coast Guard professionals pay utilities, mortgages, landlords or other creditors, greatly helping members during this time of financial stress.”

Established and operated “by Coast Guard people for Coast Guard people,” CGMA has a long history of helping the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard, serving as a vital financial safety net. It is an independent nonprofit that receives no Coast Guard or federal funding.

Go to cgmahq.org to make a donation.

Register Today for the March 6 California Boating Congress

Please join on March 6 for the 4th annual "California Boating Congress" that is being co-hosted by RBOC and a number of boating industry associations.

This event is where the marine industry and boating community come to Sacramento to advocate on issues affecting this important part of our State’s economy and culture.

There will be industry and government leaders speaking in the morning and participants will have the chance to meet with their Legislators in the afternoon. Don't miss this opportunity to chart the future of boating policy in California.

For the schedule, additional details and to register, go to www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209.334.0661 or email at timms@marina.org.

RBOC Urges Boaters to Take Action as per BoatUS: "Pay our Coast Guard"

WASHINGTON, January 16, 2019 – With the federal government shutdown now in its fourth week, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is supporting bipartisan legislation to immediately restore pay for U.S. Coast Guard members. S. 21, “Pay Our Coast Guard Act,” recently introduced in the Senate by Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), and its companion bill, H.R. 367, “Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2019,” introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), aims to restore paychecks to the more than 40,000 active duty U.S. Coast Guard service members.

BoatUS is urging recreational boaters to ask their members of Congress for support of S.21 and H.R. 367 and offers a simple way to do that by going to: https://bit.ly/2AMDbJy.

In a January 15 letter to Sen. Thune and Rep. DeFazio, Vice President of BoatUS Government Affairs Chris Edmonston wrote, “While we understand the current debate over funding of the Department of Homeland Security is primarily about issues not directly related to the U.S. Coast Guard, we are concerned over the potential deterioration of its ability to fulfill its wide range of missions including search and rescue, boating safety regulation, and support for aids-to-navigation. We support your effort to ensure that USCG personnel will receive compensation notwithstanding the final passage of the DHS 2019 appropriation legislation. This will allow them to focus on their missions and help ensure the safety of recreational boaters.”

Added Edmonston, “Despite the current lapse in funding, thousands of USCG professionals have continued to perform critical missions regardless of their own financial uncertainty. This is a true testament to their dedication, living the Coast Guard motto, Semper Paratus — Always Ready. It is very fitting for the Congress to take action to ensure their well-being for the long term.”

Boat Owners Association of The United States is the nation’s largest advocacy, services, and safety group for America’s boat owners with more than half a million dues-paying members.

RBOC Renews Call-to-Action: Oppose Elimination of Judicial Review of Twin Tunnels

RBOC on July 10 is renewing our May 18 call-to-action urging California Boaters to contact their representatives in the US Senate and US House of Representatives as soon as possible, urging them to vote against a new “rider” that would prevent judicial review of the RBOC-opposed California. WaterFix [twin tunnels].

RBOC is concerned that the proposed prohibition against federal and state judicial review of the environmental provisions of the California WaterFix would be contrary to important, long-standing state environmental laws and policies. The California WaterFix should not have a special exception to these laws.

To email Senator Feinstein: click here [Please note the Senator's opposition discussed below]

To email Senator Harris: click here

To find and contact your representative in the US House of Representatives: click here

Senator Feinstein's Opposition Position

RBOC acknowledges and appreciates the opposition position to the rider that Senator Feinstein has stated in her June 22 response to RBOC President John Marshall:

Dear John: 

Thank you for contacting me regarding a proposal to waive all federal and state environmental laws and judicial review for a water project planned for the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, which is one of the largest estuaries in western North America.  I recognize that the Delta is both an incredibly rich, sensitive ecosystem and important water source for many California communities.  I appreciate hearing from you, and I welcome the opportunity to respond.

Please know that I share your strong opposition to a provision in House appropriations legislation that would waive all federal and state laws and judicial review for the proposed California “WaterFix” project.  The WaterFix is a complex proposal that is estimated to cost $17 billion.  I do not have a position on the project itself, but I strongly believe that it should be subject to the full scrutiny of federal and state environmental laws and the independent judiciary.

As you may know, the WaterFix project would authorize the building of twin tunnels to move water from the Sacramento River to the State Water Project and Central Valley Project’s pumping plants, commonly referred to as the Jones and Banks pumping stations.  From there, the water would then travel through the California Aqueduct, Delta Mendota Canal, and other facilities to be pumped to central and southern California.  For more information on the proposed project, you may wish to visit: www.californiawaterfix.com

I appreciate learning of your opposition to this appropriations rider, and I will continue to monitor the status of the WaterFix proposal.  As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will keep your comments in mind as the federal funding process moves forward

Once again, thank you for writing.  Should you have any other questions or comments, please call my Washington, D.C., office at (202) 224-3841 or visit my website at feinstein.senate.gov.  You can also follow me online at YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter, and you can sign up for my email newsletter at feinstein.senate.gov/newsletter.

Best regards.

Sincerely yours,

Dianne Feinstein
United States Senator

More Information on the Rider

The rider has been introduced by California representative Ken Calvert [R-Corona]. It is Section 437 of the US House of Representatives Fiscal Year 2019 Interior Appropriations Spending Bill. It reads:

SEC. 437. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Final Environmental Impact Report/Final Environmental Impact Statement for the Bay Delta Conservation Plan/California Water Fix [81 Fed. Reg. 96485 (Dec. 30, 2016)] and any resulting agency decision, record of decision, or similar determination shall hereafter not be subject to judicial review under any Federal or State law.

The passage and enactment of this provision would pre-empt state law and prevent litigation including cases filed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act, the California Endangered Species Act, and other laws.

RBOC is concerned that the proposed prohibition against federal and state judicial review of the environmental provisions of the California WaterFix [twin tunnels] would be contrary to important, long-standing state environmental laws and policies. The California WaterFix [twin tunnels] should not have a special exception to these laws.

BoatUS Call-to-Action: Boat Owners Must Speak Up Now

BoatUS Warns Against President’s Proposal to Sell E15 Year-Round

Boater’s group asks boat owners to speak up now

ALEXANDRIA, Va., April 17, 2018 – A proposal by President Trump to allow the sale of E15 (15 percent ethanol) gasoline year-round has set off alarm bells at the nation’s largest boating advocacy group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS).

E15 is prohibited by federal law for use in recreational boat engines, voids many marine engine warranties, and is currently banned for sale by the Environmental Protection Agency during summer months over concerns that it contributes to smog on hot days. Under the President’s April 12 proposal, however, a waiver to the Clean Air Act would permit the sale of E15 in the summertime at the same roadside gas stations where most recreational boaters refuel their trailered vessels.

“We are very disappointed,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “The proposal to sell E15 during the boating season is a recipe for misfueling in the highest order and a giveaway to the big ethanol and corporate farming interests at the expense of America’s middle-class boaters. The little E15 warning label currently required on gas station pumps does next to nothing to protect boaters’ engines, and if a waiver is granted, it would dramatically increase the chances of E15 getting into a boat’s gas tank.”

“With ethanol, boaters continue to pay the price with increased repair bills, lower fuel economy and poor reliability. Instead of more ethanol, we need more effective misfueling-prevention measures that will educate and protect all consumers,” added Kennedy.

A study by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory conclusively demonstrated that E15 damages boat engines, and 92 percent of readers of a prominent boating industry publication reported in 2017 that they have seen damage caused by ethanol. A 2016 Harris Poll found that 64 percent of consumers were not sure or did not pay attention to the type of gas they used.

Boaters have long suffered under the Renewable Fuel Standard’s (RFS) mandate to increase the volume of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply. BoatUS is asking boaters for help on the issue by posting a message to their congressman’s or senator’s Facebook page urging for RFS reform. This can easily be done by going to https://bit.ly/2H62s2p.

Passed in 2005, RFS requires the blending of biofuels, such as corn-ethanol, into the nation’s gasoline supply. To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol) into the marketplace, but only for some vehicle engines. 

The more than half-million-member boat owners group supports fuel choice, including smart biofuels development such as isobutanol, and the availability of ethanol-free fuels that are increasingly more difficult to find. “As more ethanol-blend fuels fill up the pumps, the fuel that most boaters want for safe operation is being pushed out of the market,” added Kennedy.

BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition.

Register Today for the 3rd Annual California Boating Congress February 27-28

For more information, and to register, visit www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061.

For the third year in a row, the California Boating Congress [CBC] will bring the marine industry and boating community together at the California State Capital to advocate for issues affecting this important part of our state’s economy and culture, and chart the future of boating policy in California.

This year’s Congress will kick off Tuesday evening, February 27th, with a cocktail reception for attendees at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, 1209 L. Street, Sacramento, CA 95814, with the main event commencing Wednesday, February 28th at the Hyatt Regency at 8:30 AM.

Robert Newsome, Vice President of Engineering Standards, Membership & Marketing for the National Marine Manufacturers Association will be the keynote speaker, and will provide an important overview of the economic and recreational impact of boating in California.

Breakout sessions focused on specific boating issues will follow the morning coffee break, giving attendees an opportunity to find out more about topics of interest. These morning sessions will cover a variety of topics, including the flood of current and pending regulations, the State Lands Commission’s programs to remove abandoned vessels, proposed changes at the Boating & Waterways Commission, the new California Vessel Operators requirements, and other important industry and recreational advocacy programs.

Lunch will be served at the Hyatt, and then attendees will proceed to the State Capital for meetings with individual legislative representatives throughout the afternoon. Opportunities to meet with state representatives will be scheduled by organizers, and early registrants will get priority for scheduling with their State Legislators, so mark your calendar for February 27 – 28, 2018, and register EARLY!

This important public event is the result of collaboration between the MRA and eleven other boating related groups, including the Worldwide Boaters Safety Group, California Yacht Brokers Association, National Marine Manufacturers Association, California Marine Affairs and Navigation Conference, Personal Watercraft Industry Association, California Sportfishing League, California Delta Chambers & Visitors Bureau, Recreational Boaters of California, Bay Planning Coalition, Sacramento Valley Marine Association, and California Association of Harbor Masters & Port Captains.

"Based on the success of the last two California Boating Congresses, and the participation of three additional co-hosts for this year’s event, we are expecting the 2018 CBC, and our voice at the Capital, to grow substantially,” said Mariann Timms, MRA Operations Administrator.

For more information, and to register, visit www.calboatingcongress.com or contact Mariann Timms at 209-334-0061.

Save the Date - 3rd Annual California Boating Congress

RBOC encourages California boaters to save the date for the 3rd Annual ‘California Boating Congress’ set for February 27 - 28, 2018 at California State Capital.

The 2016 CBC set the bar, and last year’s California Boating Congress proved the value of communication between boaters, the marine industry, and California state legislators and regulators .

RBOC is a proud co-host of this event.

For the offiical press release: click here

For the Save the Date postrcard: click here

Speak Up on the Federal Ethanol Mandate - Comment Now

RBOC joins our national partner BoatU.S. in asking boaters to comment today:

The battle to protect your boat’s engine is not over. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2018.

Boat owners need to speak up and be heard by the EPA. 

While the proposed national ethanol levels are slightly lower than the 2017 mandate, boaters can expect to face higher ethanol-blend fuels, such as E15 (15 percent ethanol), at more gas stations next year under the current proposal. Because of its ability to damage boat engines, federal law prohibits the use of gas blends greater than E10 (10 percent ethanol) in recreational boats.

Please take a few moments to send a message NOW urging the EPA to lower the ethanol mandates to ensure an adequate supply of fuel that will work in your boat.

Click here to take action.

Background

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. To meet this government mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol) into the marketplace, but only for model year 2001 or newer automobiles. Using E15 in marine engines as well as snowmobiles, motorcycles, and small engines, like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, is prohibited. In addition, it has been proven that E15 will damage boat engines, making it vital that E10 and ethanol-free gasoline is readily available.

E15 and higher ethanol-blend fuels can now be found in at least 23 states, often at the very same pumps as E10 gasoline. A single sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning of E15 gasoline. This creates a dangerous potential for misfueling and puts boaters at risk of using fuel that will damage their engines. CLICK HERE for more information on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Thanks for taking action to let EPA hear how ethanol will affect your boat engine. BoatU.S. members have one of the largest voices on this issue in Washington so please send your comments today and share this email with your boating friends.

The comment period ends on August 31st so please send your comments today.

Sincerely,

David Kennedy

BoatU.S. Government Affairs

(703) 461-2878 x8363

govtaffairs@boatus.com

RBOC Urges Boaters to Take BoatUS Survey Today - Second Home Loan Interest Tax Deduction

RBOC urges California boaters to take the following BoatUS survey today to help us gauge the effect that AB 71 [Chiu] would have on your boating. To take the survey: click here

AB 71 [Chiu] would repeal the state income tax deduction for loan interest paid on 2nd homes which include boats and RVs.

Currently boats that have cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities qualify for this deduction.

We would appreciate you taking the short survey to help us gauge the effect of this change on your boating.

More information:

RBOC is opposing AB 71 [Chiu] unless the measure is amended to remove the provision that would eliminate the state tax deduction for mortgage interest on second homes.

RBOC supports the provisions of AB 71 that propose to increase the amount of tax credits available for low income housing.

However, RBOC is concerned that the provisions of AB 71 that would eliminate the state tax deduction for mortgage interest on second homes would lead a significant number of prospective boat purchasers not to invest in a recreational vessel.

This would have a direct, negative impact on the future purchase of recreational vessels, the multibillion dollar state boating industry including ancillary products and services, as well as the economic health of many communities across the state that rely on revenues generated by boaters.

It is also important to note that the amount of the mortgage interest deduction is already capped regardless of whether the taxpayer has one home or two, and that recreational vessels that are second homes may not necessarily be vacation homes but could be used by owners who commute to work during the week.