The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20041216190533/http://www.nmma.org:80/government/press/washingtonwave/oct302002.htm
"Isn't it ironic that we will give our lives to defend democracy and yet, too often, fail to make time for the simple act of voting? Whether Democratic or Republican, electing pro-business, pro-boating majorities in both the Senate and the House is essential to the long-term vitality of the recreational marine industry. Please take the time to vote."

Monita W. Fontaine, Esq., NMMA Vice President, Government Relations

Issue 6 Oct. 31, 2002

ELECTION EDITION FEATURES:

Hotly Contested Races Depend on YOU
 Find out where your help is needed. Link to candidate information in some of the nation's most highly competitive races.

Candidate Profiles State-by-State
Locate your candidates for congressional, gubernatorial, and state offices. Learn what political trends may affect your state.

NMMA PAC's Top Picks
See which candidates NMMA's political action committee (PAC) supported in 2001-02.

Back the Boating Caucus
Do your elected officials support your business? View a list of Senate and Congressional Boating Caucus members.

IN THIS ISSUE:
 
I. Election Update II. Regulatory Round-up
III. Outreach to Policymakers
IV. Washington Office Contact Information


Get Out the Vote for Boating!

Remind your coworkers and employees to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 5th!


I. Election Update

Hotly Contested Races Depend on YOU
As the 2000 presidential election showed, your individual vote does make a difference. It is important that you and your coworkers elect officials who will consistently support the recreational boating industry.

In some states where we have a significant marine industry presence, a number of high-profile races remain too close to call. The following candidates have expressed a willingness to work on behalf of the boating industry:

U.S. Senate Candidates
Max Cleland (D-GA) http://www.maxcleland2002.com
John Cornyn (R-TX) http://www.johncornyn.com
Elizabeth Dole (R-NC) http://www.elizabethdole.org
Lindsey Graham (R-SC) http://www.lindseygraham.com
Tim Hutchinson (R-AR) http://www.tim2002.com
Mary Landrieu (D-LA) http://www.marylandrieu.com
Jim Talent (R-MO) http://www.talentforsenate.com

U.S. House of Representatives Candidates
Chris Chocola (R-2ndIN) http://www.chocolaforcongress.com
Robin Hayes (R-8thNC) http://lucas.sitebuilder.completecampaigns.com
Ken Lucas (D-4thKY) http://www.johncornyn.com
Anne Northup (R-3rdKY) http://www.northupforcongress.com
Clay Shaw (R-22ndFL) http://www.clayshaw.com
Rob Simmons (R-2ndCT) http://www.simmonsforcongress.com


Candidate Profiles State-by-State

Identify your state and federal candidates by visiting NMMA's online advocacy tool, Making Waves, at http://capwiz.com/nmma/home/. Click on the third tab marked "Elections & Candidates," and enter your zip code for a candidate listing, polling locations and more.

The 2002 state elections are both historical and difficult to decipher. Term limits, redistricting and the emergence of new political parties will have a tremendous impact on the outcomes. To learn how, go to http://www.nmma.org/government/state/electiontrends.asp

To view the latest polling data on closely contested races for governor as well as see which boating industry advocates need your support, visit http://www.nmma.org/government/state/keyelections.asp


"It is crucial for the recreational marine industry to vote for pro-business candidates in the 2002 elections. The Republican Party is working to ensure business growth and limit excessive, overly burdensome government regulation, and we need your support on November 5th to continue that mission."

- House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (R-TX)

NMMA PAC's Top Picks

For a comprehensive list of 2002 U.S. Senate and House candidates who have received NMMA PAC contributions, visit http://www.nmma.org/pac/contributors.asp

Federal election law requires a trade association such as NMMA to obtain the prior approval of member companies to solicit contributions to the NMMA PAC from the senior executives of those member companies.

The NMMA Political Action Committee (PAC) is the recreational marine industry's tool for electing pro-boating, pro-business members of Congress. In order for you and your senior employees to become involved with the PAC, you must sign an NMMA PAC prior authorization form found online at http://www.nmma.org/government/pac/documents/authorizationform.pdf. Signing this form allows NMMA to provide you with more in-depth information on the PAC. Comments and questions regarding NMMA's PAC should be directed to Tracy Johnson, NMMA PAC/Grassroots Manager at (202) 721.1611; tjohnson@nmma.org
"The 2002 elections are pivotal. I hope that each of you will make it to the polls to express your views and support your industry as the 108th Congress is formed."

– Rep. Gene Taylor (D-MS), Congressional Boating Caucus Co-chair, 108th Congress

Back the Boating Caucus

The Senate Boating Caucus and Congressional Boating Caucus are two separate, informal and bipartisan groups of Senators and Representatives dedicated to supporting marine industry issues. Currently, the caucuses are comprised of 33 Democrats and 62 Republicans. To find out if your elected officials are on the caucuses, visit http://www.nmma.org/government/federal/bc.asp. If your members of Congress are not listed, please encourage them to join!
"We cannot tax, spend, regulate, and sue our way to economic prosperity.
Free enterprise and self-reliance are the cornerstones of economic freedom and economic growth. "

- State Attorney General John Cornyn (R-TX), U.S. Senate Candidate


II. REGULATORY ROUND-UP

Trailer Manufacturers Impacted by NHTSA Rule

The Trailer Manufacturers Association (TMA) members of NMMA will be subject to new "early warning" reporting requirements to assist the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in its efforts to identify potential safety-related tire defects. The first quarterly reporting period begins April 1, 2003. This regulation (49 CFR Parts 573, 574, 576 and 579) implements a requirement of the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability, and Documentation (TREAD) Act passed by Congress on Nov. 1, 2000 [Public Law 106-414] in the wake of the much-publicized Firestone tire recalls. A seminar on the new Early Warning Reporting Criteria sponsored by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA), Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), and the National Truck Equipment Association (NTEA) will be held on Thursday, Nov. 14 in Washington, D.C. For further information contact Tami Wilson, RVIA, at 1(800) 336.0154, ext. 348.

European Union Tables Inland Lakes Exhaust Emission Regulations

The European Union Parliament (EU) recently tried to sideline the International Council of Marine Industry Associations (ICOMIA) Marine Engine Committee (IMEC) efforts to finalize the Sound and Exhaust Emissions Directive for recreational watercraft. Directive modifications would have lowered exhaust limits on inland lakes. IMEC was able to convince the EU Parliament not to adopt measures requiring engines to be equipped with catalyst-based technology. Even with this success, there are still members of the EU that adamantly support Bodensee-type standards for inland lakes (the world's strictest marine emissions standards found in Germany). NMMA continues to work closely with IMEC and other groups to tackle these regulatory issues wherever U.S.-built recreational marine products are sold.

Marinas Exceeding Environmental Standards

The Marine Environmental Education Foundation (MEEF) and more than 100 federal, state and local government officials met in September to discuss clean marina programs at the National Clean Marina Conference in Mystic, CT. Clean Marinas, as designated by individual states, are recognized for exceeding regulatory requirements by voluntarily incorporating higher environmental standards into daily operations. Clean marina programs are critical and proven tools for maintaining high water quality for recreation, angling and drinking. For more information, visit http://www.cleanboating.com.

Bureau of Reclamation Will Open Land for Boating

During a recent American Recreation Coalition (ARC) meeting, John Keys, Commissioner of the Bureau of Reclamation, said that his department is working on various projects to open up more federal land to recreational boating. Keys spoke of working with NMMA and MOAA on projects such as training marina operators, WOW (Wonderful Outdoor World), a program to teach children about boating, and the National Recreational Lakes Act, an NMMA legislative initiative that ensures federal man-made lakes are managed properly.

Anti-Access Environmental Group Attacks 4-Stroke and Direct Injection Engines

Bluewater Network, an anti-boating organization that has focused its efforts on PWCs, has added Direct Injection and 4-Stroke engines to its target list. The group's anti motorized-anything bias (or at least anti-fossil-fueled) is becoming clearer, as they move closer to adding outboards and other powerboats to their hit list. This organization was responsible for banning PWCs in the national parks.
"I worked hard as Governor of Tennessee to create an environment that grew the economy. As U.S. Senator I will continue to support American business and create new jobs by lowering taxes, reducing regulation, and promoting new trade opportunities. "

- Former Governor Lamar Alexander (R-TN), U.S. Senate Candidate

III. OUTREACH TO POLICYMAKERS

Manufacturers' Products in Political Spotlight

NMMA and PWIA are working closely with the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC), the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) and the Republican Governors Association (RGA) to include marine industry products at high level political events. This is a great tool to educate elected officials. For more information, contact Kelly Bobek at kbobek@nmma.org.
"As a member of the House Small Business Committee, I understand fully the daily issues faced by small boat manufacturers. I have greatly enjoyed the opportunity to work in the House of Representatives with NMMA and other small business associations, and I look forward to continuing our good work together in the U.S. Senate. "

- Former Governor Lamar Alexander (R-TN), U.S. Senate Candidate


THE AMERICAN BOATING CONGRESS
(Formerly called LegCon)

Join your peers at The American Boating Congress, the all industry marine legislative conference, in Washington, D.C. on May 5 and 6, 2003 to create the 2003-04 Boating Industry Legislative Agenda. Look for a Save-the-Date postcard in your company mail soon! Visit http://www.nmma.org/abc/inforequest.asp to request registration information.


IV. WASHINGTON OFFICE CONTACT INFORMATION

For more information on any of the topics discussed, or for general comments, please contact NMMA Public Affairs Coordinator, Vanessa Bilanceri at (202) 721.1613; vbilanceri@nmma.org, MOAA Manager of Communications and Education Stephen Wakefield at (202) 721.1622; swakefield@nmma.org, or PWIA Public Affairs Manager Elinore Boeke at (202) 721.1621; eboeke@pwia.org

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD!

Visit www.nmma.org and click on "Making Waves" to contact your representatives and get up-to-date information on legislative and regulatory issues that affect your bottom line.