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

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

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