[D21] FW: USPS Opposes Federal Ruling

[Hamilton, Jean]

________________________________

From: R/C William E. Husted, SN [mailto:NGPRCom at att.net] 
Sent: Tuesday, April 17, 2007 2:13 PM
To: Greg Proteau; Duncan Neasham; Phyllis La Mar; Kimberly Hermes;
Elaine Dickinson; Bryan Zumwalt; Ruth Wood; Ray Tsuneyoshi; Steve Tadd;
Ed Sweeney; Serge St. Martin; Jim Stewart; Richard Schwartz; Lynda Nutt;
Tony Niles; Jim Muldoon; Duane Morrison; Richard Moore; Bernice McArdle;
McAdams, Warren NADCO; Dave Marlow; Jeff Ludwig; Vera Locke; Matt Long;
Jeff Johnson; Charles Holmes; Hoedt, Jeff; Bill Gossard; Monita
Fontaine; Lee Popham; Peter Mitchelson; Phyllis La Mar; Hamilton, Jean;
Ev Tucker; Tom O'Day; John Malatak; Phil Keeter; Larry Innis; Jeff
Hoedt; Marge Eckenroad; Cecilia Duer; Pam Dillon; Virgil Chambers
Subject: USPS Opposes Federal Ruling


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  April 17, 2007
CONTACT:  Bill Husted, (954) 980-8300
 
USPS VOICES OPPOSITION IN "WATER BALLAST" ISSUE
 
RALEIGH, N.C. - United States Power Squadrons (USPS) is one of the first
major boating organizations to issue a position statement opposing a
recent federal court ruling which could open the door for federal
permits for all recreational boats nationwide.
            USPS takes issue with the federal lawsuit in California
which classifies smaller recreational boats in the same category as
larger ocean-going ships.  
            The national organization believes smaller recreational
vessels, already regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard, should be exempt
from imposed permits as they once were.
            This is not to say that preserving the environment is any
less a priority, according to USPS, which takes its opposition stance a
step further by listing specific areas of environmental concern which
should be addressed in a uniform, national program.
 
USPS Position Statement
 
Federal courts have directed the United States Environmental Protection
Agency (U.S. EPA) decision to implement across-the-board Clean Water Act
(CWA) provisions and National Pollution Discharge Elimination System
(NPDES) permitting for all vessels from outboards to cargo ships.
 
United States Power Squadrons (USPS) opposes a blanket characterization
of all vessels and urges the federal government to exercise restraint
and reason by exempting small recreational watercraft from NPDES permits
not currently required of vessels regulated by the U.S. Coast Guard.
 
Our organization recommends implementing a national,
environmentally-responsible program of manufacture and operation
standards for recreational vessels without the need for individual
permitting.
 
USPS further recommends that such a program include development of best
management practices for key environmental concerns from recreational
watercraft: grey, black and bilge water, as well as engine cooling water
and exhaust.
 
Adopted practices would include such considerations as fuel tank venting
and recovery systems, black water holding tanks, and non-discharge of
grey water in confined anchorages.  In addition, bilges should have oil
and water separators ranging from absorbent pads to mechanical devices.
 
The fragility of our environment is a major concern to all of us, on
land and sea.  USPS urges a sensible approach in determining
environmental regulations that protect our environs but are reasonably
imposed based on a vessel's size and use so as to preserve the public's
right to enjoy more than 18 million boats for recreational purposes.
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