Dear Mr. Campbell :
Thank you for contacting me about the "Recreational Boating Act of 2007" (S. 2067). Recreational boating is a vital and enjoyable activity for many people and families, and it also is an important element of the economy for coastal states like New Jersey .
As you noted in your letter, a recent federal court case struck down an exemption from permitting requirements of the Clean Water Act for recreational vessels. Currently, the Environmental Protection Agency has until September 2008 to develop a permitting system for all recreational vessels. Like you, I am concerned about the potential for many boaters such as those owned by families in New Jersey , to be burdened by onerous permitting requirements that will provide little additional protection for the environment.
I support Congressional action to address these concerns. That is why I am working with Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Bill Nelson (D-FL) to ensure that we protect small recreational boaters from overly burdensome permitting requirements while maintaining needed environmental and public health protections for our waters. I am confident that we can develop an appropriate solution to this problem.
Thank you again for contacting me about this important issue.
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