engage closely with the National Association of Manufacturers ( NAM ). We want to take the marine voice to that broader coalition of manufacturers across all different industries working to create a healthier domestic business environment .
Ultimately , we try to be more unified with the broader manufacturing sector ; that strength in numbers really helps to move those priorities over the finish line , which is what we saw with the CHIPS act .
BI : What are some challenges you expect to address at ABC 2023 ? CH : I would say the one issue that is front and center is the vessel speed restriction regulation that is currently pending today . This legislation is being driven by NOAA out of the Department of Commerce , and it really is an existential threat to our industry . This regulatory action could have incredibly detrimental impacts on boating access across the entire Atlantic seaboard and devastating impacts on the boating economy in the states that are affected .
That ’ s a pending regulatory action , so we ’ re in the process of working through the regulatory track on that . Because this issue stands to have such a significant impact and damage on the industry , we are from a strategy standpoint looking at a very multipronged approach . Depending on how the final rulemaking comes out , we have to be ready to hit the ground running in any direction , whether that ’ s through the legislative track , continuing on that course , or other alternate measures .
That ’ s one area where we ’ re playing defense . Looking at other priorities where we ’ re on the offensive , we ’ re working towards educating members of Congress and agencies across the administration on decarbonization strategies for the recreational marine sector . This new emerging market for nextgeneration propulsion technology presents significant opportunities for us to make our industry more globally competitive and bring in new consumers .
What ’ s critical for NMMA when we ’ re presenting this and educating members of Congress on this topic is that we emphasize it ’ s not apples to apples when comparing us to the auto sector . The energy density required to move a boat through water is about 800 times more than is required to move a car . Because of that , when you ’ re looking at the type of energy density that would be required in a battery , it ’ s much more significant than the onroad applications . So , what we ’ re working on educating members of Congress on is the opportunities that exist today with the given technology , and the
additional challenges our industry faces .
Right now , we have next-generation and sustainable marine fuels policy working groups where we ’ re bringing together NMMA members that are already active in this space to help inform our advocacy efforts .
We also want to recognize the political landscape that we have before us for this next congress . There likely isn ’ t going to be a lot of legislation passing , in particular bipartisan legislation , so we ’ re looking at the vehicles we know are going to be moving . This includes appropriations , WRDA , like I mentioned and also the reauthorization of the Farm Bill , which is a bill that focuses on rural economic development .
When you look at recreation , the majority of lakes , reservoirs and trailheads that the public is going to are in rural communities . We ’ re looking at opportunities for the boating industry within this next Farm Bill through that rural economic development lens .
BI : What strategy does NMMA employ headed into an event like ABC ? What really resonates with the legislators you ’ re talking to ? CH : When you ’ re talking about advocacy , advocacy is part of the influence industry , which is all about people and connections . The more we can tell our industry stories and get our members into their elected officials ’ offices , the more we can cultivate connections and create our network . We ’ re really building out a network of boating advocates in Congress . When that network is strong , and a crisis comes up , we have people in place who are ready to help us , and we ’ re able to be nimble and strategic .
The strategy for this boating congress is similar
NMMA ’ s Callie Hoyt moderates a panel on electricification during ABC 2022 .
to what it ’ s been in the past , but it truly is just about the importance of telling our industry ’ s story and elevating the profile of our industry . Heading into this year , we also want to solidify our relationships with other agencies to have that strength in numbers .
How does the NMMA ’ s work continue outside of the American Boating Congress , and how can the industry get involved ? CH : Right , it doesn ’ t end at ABC . NMMA has a robust team here in D . C . that works to carry the momentum of the boating congress forward , to continue following up , to continue building up that congressional boating caucus .
A big part of what we do from an advocacy standpoint is encouraging relationships between legislators and their constituents . Members always have set weeks when they go back to their districts , which presents a great opportunity to set up facility tours . We want to get elected officials into the manufacturing facilities , down to the marina , talking to the business owners and employees . I would encourage anyone who ’ s interested in hosting a member of congress to get in touch with our office , as we ’ re more than happy to help facilitate that .
Another great opportunity to be engaged is our grassroots Boating United platform . Businesses can sign up and get updates on all the top legislative issues we ’ re working on , and also communicate with legislators . We write everything , all you have to do is put in your name and hit send . This allows these congress members to hear from their constituents and to really understand what issues are important to their district . Boating United is a really great way to stay engaged in the advocacy process year-round .
www . boatingindustry . com march 2023
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