EPA Webinars

mintregila

mintregila

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I received a communication from Boat US today regarding participation in upcoming webinars run by the EPA. Apparently, they are looking for input from recreational boaters regarding things like grey water, anti-fouling paint, etc. and BUS is asking members to express an opinion that they base any new regs on science (would be a nice change).

I signed up and I would request that if you get this email, please participate. I don't hink we need any more feel good legislation that makes our lives more difficult.

Personally, if I am allowed to provide direct feedback, I plan to ask that they focus on sewage discharge and not the miniscule difference regulating things like grey water will make.
 
I was very disappointed with the Annapolis session, not much "listening".

If you get a chance, Please ask, as I have asked the EPA on more than one occasion and for some years now,
"What is it that the recreational boater is doing wrong, that contributes to the problem you are trying to create and then regulate"? They have been non-responsive for years to this simple question.

At Annapolis the question was deemed, "off topic" and thus not addressed or allowed to be asked.
 
Webinar - a web-based seminar/conference. Here is the schedule:

http://water.epa.gov/lawsregs/lawsguidance/cwa/vessel/CBA/participate.cfm

For those that haven't followed the link, here's EPA's scheme:

EPA is considering developing management practices for several broad categories of vessel discharges (e.g., release of antifouling and corrosion control agents, transport of aquatic nuisance species, bilgewater, cleaning and maintenance related discharges, fishing waste, and graywater). A list of the management practices will be made available when EPA publishes the proposed rule.

BoatUS has more information here:

http://www.boatus.com/gov/cba/default.asp

You can also email comments by June 2, 2011: CleanBoatingAct-HQ (at) EPA.GOV
 
Some tips I've learned from dealing with such government issues in the past:

- Do not get angry when making comments.

Keep a professional demeanor at all times. Otherwise, your voice will not be heard.

- Be respectful.

No matter how foolish or out of touch EPA seems, it does no good to put them on the defensive. Again, your voice will not be heard.

- Leave "enforcement" out of it.

Whatever EPA comes up for CBA must be enforced. It doesn't take much thought to realize that with all its other responsibilities, most likely the USCG doesn't have the resources to start enforcing yet more recreational laws. However, agencies like EPA are deaf to this issue. It is their purpose to create rules and laws, not to enforce them. Thus, they get all warm and fuzzy feeling inside when they put something on paper, regardless of whether it ever gets enforced or not.
 
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