MRAA Board of Directors Approves Policy Resolutions

The MRAA Board of Directors has recently approved the Advisory Council of Marine Associations (ACMA) annual list of policy resolutions. ACMA is comprised of associations in the recreational marine industries, state and regional marine trade associations, and other interested parties. The group serves as a sounding board for MRAA’s legislative priorities and the recreational boating industry at large. During a meeting that took place at the 2018 Marine Dealer Conference and Expo, participants discussed the current state of the marine industry’s policy priorities, and devised a list of four major areas on which MRAA should focus its legislative and advocacy efforts for 2019.

The Advisory Council of Marine Associations, meeting at the 2018 Marine Dealer Conference & Expo, presents the following to the MRAA Board of Directors

BE IT RESOLVED, the members of ACMA recommend MRAA undertake the following actions in 2019:

1. Workforce development remains the highest priority in 2019. Accordingly, MRAA should seek ways to positively impact the problem by actions including, but not limited to:

  • To incorporate the 10+1 Workforce Strategy introduced in 2018 which includes but not limited to apprenticeship programs, training, marketing and coordination of assets and information.
  • Aggressively supporting any legislation, federal and state, that increases the creation of, access to and funding for vocational training programs and facilities on the middle, high school, technical schools and community college levels
  • To monitor and seek positive outcomes in the regulatory implementation of new laws that impact workforce development programs.
  • Promote member dealers directly connecting with their local school systems;
  • Call for the availability of government grants (such as Pell Grants), corporate and government scholarships and other form of financial assistance.

2. Continued recognition that fishing is a cornerstone of success for many marine retailers across the nation and an integral part of Outdoor Recreation overall, MRAA should be fully engaged in:

  • Federal issues, such as monitoring the roll out of the “Modern Fish Act” and other action that impact access to fishing for recreational boaters;
  • Advocate for recognition of recreational boating and fishing’s enormous positive economic impact;
  • Remain actively engaged in the growing Outdoor Recreation movement.
  • Support marine trade associations’ effort regarding fishing issues, for example the ongoing threat of Asian Carp entering the Great Lakes

3. Increasing Participation by Federal Legislators in the Boating Caucus.

  • With over 30 former caucus members no longer in Congress, educating and attracting supportive new members should be paramount.
  • Continuing education of industry issues and impacts..

4. The increase in Ethanol above the E10 level remains a significant threat and the continued denunciation of the economic and social importance of boating in our nation. 

  • MRAA continue the effort of advocating for and supporting all revisions to the Renewable Fuel Standard and other similar efforts to cap the amount of ethanol in fuel supplies.
  • With the advent of 2018 action on E-15, significant educational efforts should be undertaken at all levels to inform and educate the public as to the harmful effects of ethanol, especially E-15.  This should include:
    • Labeling & signage at fill points
    • Information in all marine outlets

5. Given the future health of recreational boating is threatened by several environmental considerations, MRAA should be actively advocating for:

  • Call for aggressive action (federal and state) on the nation-wide algae bloom problems;
  • Support programs to prevent aquatic invasive species (AIS) that threaten the health of our waterways and to assist with development of individual state policies for a cohesive effort;
  • Be prepared to lobby for projects positively impacting waterways and boating in federal infrastructure proposals.
  • The prioritization of “low tonnage” federal channels by the Army Corps of Engineers;
  • To assist in research, development and legislative efforts to minimize the harmful effects of derelict or abandoned vessels.

 

If you have questions, please contact MRAA Public Policy Manager, Will Higgins.